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Ten Cities that Led the World

From Ancient Metropolis to Modern Megacity
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Ten Cities that Led the World, Paul Strathern takes readers on a fascinating tour of ten cities that have significantly influenced human history and culture. Each city is explored for its unique contributions to civilisation, delving into how these urban centres shaped and propelled global developments. Through a blend of captivating anecdotes and historical insights, the book connects geography, culture, and innovation in a comprehensive narrative.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Explore the fascinating histories and influences of cities that have shaped our world. This book may appeal to you if you enjoy learning about the pivotal roles urban centres have played throughout history, from the arts to politics.

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From the founding of ancient capitals to buzzing modern megacities, this history of ten cities explores how urban centres have led civilisation forward.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'A book of ideas [...] Strathern ably guides us through these moments of glory.' -- The Times

*

Great cities are complex, chaotic and colossal. These are cities that dominate the world stage and define eras; where ideas flourish, revolutions are born and history is made.

Through ten unique cities, from the founding of ancient capitals to buzzing modern megacities, Paul Strathern explores how urban centres lead civilisation forward, enjoying a moment of glory before passing on the baton.

We journey back to discover Babylonian mathematics, Athenian theatre and intellectual debate, and Roman construction that has lasted millennia. We see Constantinople evolve into Istanbul, revolutionary sparks fly in Enlightenment Paris, and the railways, canals and ships that built Imperial London. In Moscow, men build spaceships while others starve, New York's skyscrapers rise up to a soundtrack of jazz, Mumbai becomes home to immense wealth and poverty, and Beijing's economic transformation leads the way.

Each city has its own distinct personality, and Ten Cities that Led the World brings their rich and diverse histories to life, reminding us of the foundations we have built on and how our futures will be shaped.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529356441

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 206g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Paul Strathern is the author of numerous books about science, history, philosophy and literature, including two series, Philosophers in 90 Minutes and The Big Idea: Scientists Who Changed the World, and the Sunday Times bestseller The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance.

He also won a Somerset Maugham award for his novel A Season in Abyssinia. He formerly lectured in philosophy and mathematics at Kingston University. He lives in London.

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