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Cities and the Wealth of Nations: Principles of Economic Life Paperback – March 12, 1985
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In this eye-opening work of economic theory, Jane Jacobs argues that it is cities—not nations—that are the drivers of wealth. Challenging centuries of economic orthodoxy, in Cities and the Wealth of Nations the beloved author contends that healthy cities are constantly evolving to replace imported goods with locally-produced alternatives, spurring a cycle of vibrant economic growth. Intelligently argued and drawing on examples from around the world and across the ages, here Jacobs radically changes the way we view our cities—and our entire economy.
- Print length272 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherVintage
- Publication dateMarch 12, 1985
- Dimensions4.32 x 0.58 x 7.16 inches
- ISBN-100394729110
- ISBN-13978-0394729114
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"Learned, iconoclastic and exciting . . . Jacobs' diagnosis of the decay of cities in an increasingly integrated world economy is on the mark."—The New York Times Book Review
"Jacobs' book is inspired, idiosyncratic and personal . . . It is written with verve and humor; for a work of embattled theory, it is wonderfully concrete, and its leaps are breathtaking."—Los Angeles Times
"Not only comprehensible but entertaining. . . . Like Mrs. Jacobs' other books, it offers a concrete approach to an abstract and elusive subject. That, all by itself, makes for an intoxicating experience."—The New York Times
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About the Author
Jane Jacobs was the legendary author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities, a work that has never gone out of print and that has transformed the disciplines of urban planning and city architecture. Her other major works include The Economy of Cities, Systems of Survival, and The Nature of Economies. She died in 2006.
Product details
- Publisher : Vintage; Reprint edition (March 12, 1985)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 272 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0394729110
- ISBN-13 : 978-0394729114
- Item Weight : 5.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 4.32 x 0.58 x 7.16 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #445,036 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #34 in Urban & Regional Economics (Books)
- #536 in Sociology of Urban Areas
- #908 in Economic History (Books)
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This book in particular examines the ways nations acquire wealth. According to Jacobs it is generated on a very basic, local level and percolates to the top. The top-down theory doesn't work. It has never worked. This book points out the fallacies of some of the most common ways municipalities attempt to pump life back into an ailing economy. These downfalls are unremitting military production, unremitting subsidies to poor regions, and heavy promotion of trade between advanced and backward economies. These three things have been the undoing of every major empire from the Roman empire onward to today.
This book was a real eye-opener for me on many levels. It changed the way I think about the way cultures thrive or fail.
My daughter loved it.
Definitely, recommend.
Top reviews from other countries
Jane Jacobs was probably better placed to answer the Queen's question to the LSE than most 'professional' economists.
As the Brexit negotiations start this gives some very helpful hints of what should be happening but sadly is not.
The inherent energies (and traps) described in this book coupled with the urban planning views of her Death and Life book make her wisdom worth examining at any time.






