Flanagan’s approach provides a richly historical and social theoretical view for understanding urban development. This book provides students with understanding both the changing urban form and the power of cities in societies, from early settlements to world urbanization. This accessible, yet sophisticated account of major debates in urban sociology is a wonderful teaching tool and reference guide. Readers can learn of key trends in urban development, in the intellectual understanding of the city, and in the policy responses that have been attempted by individuals and social groups to organize urban life through community development, social networks, economic institutions, and political agencies, such as national governments. The grand scope that Flanagan provides on urban growth and transformations allows students to imagine the urban world of the past as well as the future. This is an excellent foundational source for students.