56 pages • 1 hour read
Jane JacobsThe Death and Life of Great American Cities
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1961A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs critiques mid-20th-century urban planning theories and practices in the USA that have harmed cities and offers solutions for their revitalization. Jacobs explores the uses of sidewalks, the mechanisms necessary for neighborhood diversity, the forces contributing to urban decline, and suggests practical tactics for city improvement.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Jane Jacobs's The Death and Life of Great American Cities is widely praised for its insightful critique of urban planning and advocacy for vibrant, community-driven neighborhoods. Critics appreciate its detailed observations and revolutionary ideas. However, some find her dismissal of modernist approaches overly harsh. Overall, it is considered essential reading for urban studies.
Who Should Read The Death and Life of Great American Cities?
A reader interested in urban planning, sociology, or grassroots activism will enjoy Jane Jacobs's The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Fans of The Power Broker by Robert Caro and Neighborhoods and Urban Development by W. Dennis Keating will appreciate its critique of top-down city planning and advocacy for community-based urban renewal.