Description
Book SynopsisDespite a modest revival in city living, Americans are spreading out more than ever - into exurbs and boomburbs miles from anywhere, in big houses in big subdivisions. This book tells the untold story of development in America - how the landscape is shaped by a furious clash of political, economic and cultural forces.
Trade ReviewEngaging, vivid and provocative work. Written with analytical rigor but also a crafty journalistic eye for the human-interest story that crystallizes an abstract theme, this book merits inclusion in any library. Library Journal A panoramic and extraordinarily up-to-date account of the struggle over how America builds. -- Philip Langdon New Urban News This Land offers a provocative and insightful overview of the challenges of sprawl. Boston Globe Those who truly hate sprawl and want to fight back would be well advised to read this book. Audubon Well researched, well written... very personable and readable. Recommended for all readers. Northeastern Naturalist Flint provides a historical perspective on how we became a suburban nation... with the easy-flowing, narrative skill of a journalist. -- Lawrence Bluestone Architecture Boston As an inquiry into the backlash against 'smart growth'... it offers valuable insights and unsettling observations from the frontlines of the battles over land use and suburban development. -- Tom Urbaniak Urban Affairs Review Cear, well-written overview of the sprawl debate. -- Jackie Begley Berkeley Planning Journal This Land is an important discussion of the future of America, its cities, and what lies outside of it. Midwest Book Review
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Developing America
1. Grids and Greenfields
2. Suburbia's Promise, and Curse
3. New Paradigm: New Urbanism
4. The Smart Growth Revolution
5. Walk Daily, Buy Local, Build Green
6. Hands Off My Land
7. Dream Defenders and Sprawl Inc.
8. Pitched Battles
9. The Density Dilemma
10. Smart, and Fair
11. Planning and Disaster
Conclusion: Six Healthy Habits for Sensible Growth
Notes
Bibliographical Essay
Acknowledgments
Index
