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Available
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Publication
Random House Inc (T) (1984), Hardcover, 257 pages
Description
In this eye-opening work of economic theory, Jane Jacobs argues that it is cities--not nations--that are the drivers of wealth. Challenging centuries of economic orthodoxy, in Cities and the Wealth of Nations the beloved author contends that healthy cities are constantly evolving to replace imported goods with locally-produced alternatives, spurring a cycle of vibrant economic growth. Intelligently argued and drawing on examples from around the world and across the ages, here Jacobs radically changes the way we view our cities--and our entire economy.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Andromeda_Yelton
Much as I loved _Death and Life_, I just couldn't get through this one. There were a lot of interesting ideas, and I wish I'd read this before struggling to write something about cities and economics and theory in grad school -- she ties together some interesting threads on that one. But her
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autodidacticism, which served her so well in _Death and Life_ (whose thesis called chiefly for keen observation of things available for anyone to see), doesn't work here -- I keep wondering if she's out of her depth. Things didn't ring true, and I got annoyed and never did read the last few chapters. Show Less
LibraryThing member carterchristian1
The first chapter is a standard review of basic economic theoriests, in which Jacobs sets the stage for a thesis that ranges over many centuries and the world. When production drops one place and the former workers are not provided for there is major econommic hardship. Jacobs has many tidbits of
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"did you know"s...that the Isle of Man and Iceland had parliaments before Great Britain, and Uraguay was once a thriving country. Show Less
LibraryThing member parp
Brilliantly simple explanation what makes the solid base of the economy.
Awards
LA Times Book Prize (Finalist — 1984)
Notable Books List (1984)
Language
Original publication date
1984
Physical description
272 p.; 7.3 inches
ISBN
0394729110 / 9780394729114