Customer Reviews

Australian Cities: Continuity and Change (Meridian: Australian Geographical Perspectives)

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This book is a good primer for anyone learning about urban life in Australia. The book is a quick read that uses considerable facts to back up fairly interesting comments on the urban condition. It offers a very broad and general look at the social, economic, cultural and environmental issues as well as the government policies that have affected cities. It is enjoyable to read when so many other text books on these issues can be very boring. The only draw back I had with the book is the that it often focuses on presenting facts without giving enough commentary as to why they might be important, especially in chapters 2 and 3. However the remaining chapters did provide me with what I think are some valuable starting points for further study and interest with further reading as well. I would also say that the book is not limited to the Australian experience (although it is strictly about Australia) and could provide others from other countries valuable insight into the urban condition due to similarities among the developed countries of the world.

Overall, a very intelligent book that is enjoyable to read, that introduces a vast topic to the inexperienced and with only a few minor flaws.

The third edition of this book offers an accurate, up-to-date and illustrated analysis of all major aspects of contemporary Australian cities (their evolution, their population, the changing patterns of segregation, etc.). Aimed firstly at students, it may be read by anyone interested in "Down under" cities.