’The amiable but provocative personality of John Montgomery shines in this panoptic preview of the world's next upward wave of creativity and enterprise - delightful connections are made across art, business, music, science and literature to guide us to prepare cities as theatres for human endeavour and shape streets that will bring us together and make us spark. This book lays a stimulating foundation for the new wave of interventions by city planners, architects, developers and entrepreneurs. Montgomery really makes us feel this is a great time to be alive, and to be making and re-making cities.’ David Lock, University of Reading, UK and Chair of the Town and Country Planning Association, UK ’At a time when over half the world's population lives in cities and our governments, development agencies, and citizens are all calling for a new approach to their design and management, John Montgomery clearly articulates the processes and forces that shape our cities. He draws from practical personal experience as well as a thorough knowledge of this complex field. This refreshingly accessible book gives new insights into the dynamics of cities and should be essential reading for anyone who is interested in gaining a better understanding of how cities develop and change.’ Rob Adams, City of Melbourne, Australia