THE DEATH AND LIFE OF GREAT AMERICAN CITIES 50th Anniversary Edition

A landmark book when it was published in 1961, this insightful work about how cities should be planned is still fresh and valuable. The author’s point is that massive urban projects that disrupt neighborhoods do more harm than good to city life and are not worth the cost. She cites public housing projects, misplaced city parks, and disasters avoided, like the near-gutting of Carnegie Hall. Narrator Donna Rawlins has a sprightly, sunny, agile voice that infuses the book with energy and meaning. She varies her pitch and tone to keep the narrative interesting while maintaining a steady pace and impeccable diction. This is a long book, but Rawlins keeps it moving and reminds us why it’s become a classic. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2011]