{"product_id":"2026200013194-secondhand-cities","title":"Cities","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition remarks:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBook: Good\u003cbr\u003eJacket: No dust jacket\u003cbr\u003ePages: Good\u003cbr\u003eCondition remarks: Condition as shown in image\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat transforms a scattered settlement into a thriving metropolis — and what forces can just as surely tear it apart? Cities, a landmark Scientific American anthology, presents a sweeping and authoritative examination of urban life across the globe, drawing on the expertise of leading scientists, planners, and social thinkers to chronicle the rise, structure, and future of human civilization's greatest creation. From the ancient origins of the first urban centres to the complex social and infrastructural challenges of the modern megalopolis, the collection covers topics ranging from transportation and housing to population density, pollution, and the psychology of city living.\n\nPublished as part of the prestigious Scientific American book series and issued by Alfred A. Knopf in 1974, Cities represents the intellectual rigour and accessible authority for which Scientific American is renowned. The contributors argue that the city is not merely a backdrop to human history but its primary engine — a place where culture, commerce, conflict, and creativity converge. Written at a pivotal moment of rapid global urbanisation, the work retains a striking relevance, posing questions about how humanity can design urban spaces that are not only functional, but truly humane. For anyone curious about why cities are built the way they are — and whether we can build them better — this volume is an indispensable and thought-provoking guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secondhand Stock","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49216211976411,"sku":"2026200013194-SECONDHAND","price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/7646\/9701\/files\/66afa5fe-d346-4ad2-add5-8e697a022900.png?v=1788405437","url":"https:\/\/bookgrocer.com\/products\/2026200013194-secondhand-cities","provider":"Book Grocer","version":"1.0","type":"link"}