3.0
The Great Cities in History
ByPublisher Description
A portrait of world civilization told through the stories of the world's greatest cities from ancient times to the present.
Today, for the first time in history, the majority of people in the world live in cities. The implications and challenges associated with this fact are enormous. But how did we get here?From the origins of urbanization in Mesopotamia to the global metropolises of today, great cities have marked the development of human civilization. The Great Cities in History tells their stories, starting with the earliest, from Uruk and Memphis to Jerusalem and Alexandria. Next come the fabulous cities of the first millennium: Damascus and Baghdad, Teotihuacan and Tikal, and Chang’an, capital of Tang Dynasty China. The medieval world saw the rise of powerful cities such as Palermo and Paris in Europe, Benin in Africa, and Angkor in southeast Asia. The last two sections bring us from the early modern world, with Isfahan, Agra, and Amsterdam, to the contemporary city: London and New York, Tokyo and Barcelona, Los Angeles and São Paulo.
The distinguished contributors, including Jan Morris, Michael D. Coe, Simon Schama, Orlando Figes, Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, Misha Glenny, Susan Toby Evans, and A. N. Wilson, evoke the character of each place—people, art and architecture, government—and explain the reasons for its success.
Download the free Fable app
Stay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
Rate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
Curate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesStay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building toolRate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tagsCurate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesThe Great Cities in History Reviews
3.0
“A Mixed Bag of Historical Snapshots - Book 29 of the Year
The Great Cities in History", edited by John Julius Norwich, offers a diverse collection of snapshots depicting some of the world's most prominent cities at their zenith. Each chapter provides a glimpse into the glory days of these urban centers, showcasing their cultural, political, and economic significance.
While the concept of the book is intriguing, its execution leaves something to be desired. The brevity of each snapshot often leaves the reader wanting more, craving a deeper exploration of each city's history. Additionally, the language used can be overly technical at times, making certain sections challenging to digest.
However, despite its shortcomings, there are moments of brilliance within these pages. The insights provided shed light on lesser-known aspects of these cities' pasts, offering fresh perspectives to even the most seasoned history enthusiasts.
In conclusion, "The Great Cities in History" is a worthwhile read for those interested in delving into the rise and fall of civilization's urban hubs. While it may not provide the depth some readers seek, it serves as a valuable introduction to the rich tapestry of human history woven within these great cities.”
About John Julius Norwich
John Julius Norwich was the author of more than twenty books, including the New York Times bestseller Absolute Monarchs and The Great Cities in History. He began his career in the British foreign service, but resigned his diplomatic post to become a writer. He was a chairman of the Venice in Peril Fund and the honorary chairman of the World Monuments Fund. John Julius Norwich died in 2018.
Other books by John Julius Norwich
Start a Book Club
Start a public or private book club with this book on the Fable app today!FAQ
Do I have to buy the ebook to participate in a book club?
Why can’t I buy the ebook on the app?
How is Fable’s reader different from Kindle?
Do you sell physical books too?
Are book clubs free to join on Fable?
How do I start a book club with this book on Fable?
