Review
“[A] valuable account of key aspects of US urban development from the historical point of view of a self-described “radical houser” and “engaged insider,” one who has placed predominant emphasis on the fundamental forces of race and class, and who has maintained faith in strategies of advocacy planning and of networking with influential individuals… [T]he book speaks to the credibility, necessity and viability of radical urban planning.”
—Ian Skelton, Canadian Journal of Urban Research
“This exciting book tells the life story of an academic city planner and political activist who struck a balance in his career between the eminence of a Harvard professor and innovator in urban studies, and the notoriety of a radical political gadfly buing conservative, academic and government officialdom. Its author chronicles the resistance of several communities in Boston and San Francisco to the destruction of working-class neighborhoods to clear land for “higher uses” in Urban Renewal projects. In the process he shows that scholarship in the halls of academia and activism in the political struggles outside them can mix; indeed, that scholarship and social activity are mutually enriching… Between Eminence and Notoriety, by an eminent radical organier, teacher and writer, is an excellent reference work for students of the history of the stormy 1960s and 1970s and for progressive social activists in the movements for peace and civil rights, and in community organiing and urban affairs, who are aware of the broader social and political dimensions of their special activity fields. It is also a trumpet call to progressive teachers and thinkers to get out and relish the mind-and-soul stirring life outside their ivory walls.”
—Morris Zeitlin, Science & Society
“[Hartman] takes us through his journey as planner, professor, social analyst, good cause organier, advocate for the poor, elderly and minorities, and to his present work, the Poverty & Race Research Action Council. He enjoys poking at arrogance and hypocrisy, and does it well.”
—Social Policy
“[V]aluable and provocative.”
—Michael W. Homel, Planning Perspectives
“Hartman's autobiographical essay is alone worth the price of the book.”
—P. Order, E. P. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics, Occidental College
“A rare critical voice within the urban planning profession.”
—R. Grat, The Nation
“Offers a critical perspective on important housing policy issues.”
—K. Reardon, Shelterforce
About the Author
Chester W. Hartman is director of research at the Poverty & Race Research Action Council, and is the founder and former chair of the Planners Network. He serves/has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Urban Affairs, Housing Policy Debate, and the Journal of Negro Education. His books include There Is No Such Thing as a Natural Disaster,Mandate for Change, and The Integration Debate.
Jane Jacobs was an urban writer and activist most famously known for her community-center approach to urban planning. Some of her well-known writings include The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Cities and the Wealth of Nations, and The Nature of Economies.
