Phoenix: The History of a Southwestern Metropolis [Hardcover]

Bradford Luckingham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1989

More than half of all Arizonans live in Phoenix, the center of one of the most urbanized states in the nation. This history of the Sunbelt metropolis traces its growth from its founding in 1867 to its present status as one of the ten largest cities in the United States. Drawing on a wide variety of archival materials, oral accounts, promotional literature, and urban historical studies, Bradford Luckingham presents an urban biography of a thriving city that for more than a century has been an oasis of civilization in the desert Southwest. First homesteaded by pioneers bent on seeing a new agricultural empire rise phoenix-like from ancient Hohokam Indian irrigation ditches and farming settlements, Phoenix became an agricultural oasis in the desert during the late 1800s. With the coming of the railroads and the transfer of the territorial capital to Phoenix, local boosters were already proclaiming it the new commercial center of Arizona. As the city also came to be recognized as a health and tourist mecca, thanks to its favorable climate, the concept of "the good life" became the centerpiece of the city's promotional efforts. Luckingham follows these trends through rapid expansion, the Depression, and the postwar boom years, and shows how economic growth and quality of life have come into conflict in recent times.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Luckingham (history, Arizona State Univ.), author of The Urban Southwest (Texas Western Pr., 1982), has written the first detailed history of Phoenix, now America's ninth largest city, and its rise to prominence in the southwestern Sunbelt. Based on extensive research into both primary and secondary sources, Luckingham's work chronologically traces the history of Phoenix from its early beginnings in the 1860s to its emergence as the leading urban center in the Southwest from the 1950s through the 1980s. The principal theme of Luckingham's work is the conflict between Phoenix's rapid economic development and population growth and its quality oflife. A well-written historical account; recommended for academic and public libraries with large Southwest history collections.
- Louis Vyhnanek, Washington State Univ. Lib., Pullman
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"There is no question that this is a major contribution to the understanding of Nasca society" —Journal of Anthropological Research

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 316 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (February 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816510873
• ISBN-13: 978-0816510870
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,783,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written History of Phoenix, July 30, 2011

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Jeff Davis (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Phoenix: The History of a Southwestern Metropolis (Hardcover)

This is a well-written history of Phoenix. It was well-researched and written in proper English. The author seems to cover various sides of issues and gives interesting information.