This book presents an incisive outline of the historical development and geography of cities.
It focuses on three themes that constitute essential foundations for any understanding of urban
form and function. These are: (a) the shifting patterns of urbanization through historical time
(b) the role of cities as centers of production and work in a globalizing world and (c) the
diverse housing and shelter needs of urban populations. The book also explores a number of
critical urban problems and the political challenges that they pose. Empirical evidence from
urban situations on all five continents is brought into play throughout the discussion.
