'A book of ideas [...] Strathern ably guides us through these moments of glory.' -- The Times
*** Great cities are complex chaotic and colossal. These are cities that dominate the world
stage and define eras where ideas flourish revolutions are born and history is made.
Through ten unique cities from the founding of ancient capitals to buzzing modern megacities
Paul Strathern explores how urban centres lead civilisation forward enjoying a moment of glory
before passing on the baton. We journey back to discover Babylonian mathematics Athenian
theatre and intellectual debate and Roman construction that has lasted millennia. We see
Constantinople evolve into Istanbul revolutionary sparks fly in Enlightenment Paris and the
railways canals and ships that built Imperial London. In Moscow men build spaceships while
others starve New York's skyscrapers rise up to a soundtrack of jazz Mumbai becomes home to
immense wealth and poverty and Beijing's economic transformation leads the way. Each city has
its own distinct personality and Ten Cities that Led the World brings their rich and diverse
histories to life reminding us of the foundations we have built on and how our futures will be
shaped.
