Citymakers: The Culture and Craft of Practical Urbanism Paperback – October 17, 2017

This book has quickly become my bible for thinking about what makes a city great. It sets itself apart from other urbanism books by blending journalistic examples of real people improving New York City with just enough of an intro to the great thinkers and theorists of cities -- plus it offers the author's own set of manifesto-like imperatives for what to do now. It would make an excellent teaching book for undergraduate and graduate students in urban design, architecture, urban planning, etc. It's also beautiful both aesthetically and lyrically: Shepard is a phenomenal writer, and the photographs are superb. I've recommended it to friends who are not at all experts on urban issues, and they've loved it. Two even gave them as Christmas presents to their parents! It's pretty rare to have a book that would both impress academics and entertain people who just happen to live in, love, or be fascinated by cities.

Well-told stories of how city life is improved.