Urban Geography A Global Perspective Author:Michael Pacione Urban Geography is an authoritative and stimulating introduction to the study of towns and cities. This book synthesises a wealth of material to provide a comprehensive introduction for students of urban geography, drawing on a rich blend of theoretical and empirical information, to advance their knowledge of the city. For the first time in the... more » history of humankind, urban dwellers outnumber rural residents and this trend is destined to continue. Urban places, towns and cities are of fundamental importance: for the distribution of population within countries; in the organisation of economic production, distribution and exchange; in the structuring of social reproduction and cultural life; and in the allocation and exercise of power. Even those living beyond the administrative or functional boundaries of a town or city, will have their lifestyle influenced to some degree by a nearby or distant city. Urban Geography is divided into six main parts, which explain and discuss: * the field of urban geography and the importance of a global perspective * the historical growth of cities from the earliest times and the urban geography of the major world regions * the dynamics of urban structure and land use change in Western cities * economy, society and politics in the Western city * the economic, social, political and environmental challenge faced by the Third World City * an overview on the future of cities and cities of the future. Specific features include the clearly structured and coherent text, superb illustrations which include a full colour plate section and over 150 informative diagrams, global case studies which are boxed throughout, a glossary of terms and key words which are highlighted throughout the text, chapter summaries and key points, and annotated further reading lists.« less