Wealth And Poverty Of Regions, The: Why Cities Matter

Description:
As the world becomes more interconnected through travel and electronic communication, many believe that physical places will become less important. But as Mario Polese argues in 'The Wealth and Poverty of Regions', geography will matter more than ever before in a world where distance is allegedly dead. This provocative book surveys the globe, from London and Cape Town to New York and Beijing, contending that regions rise - or fall - due to their location, not only within nations but also on the world map. Polese reveals how concentrations of industries and populations in specific locales often result in minor advantages that accumulate over time, resulting in reduced prices, improved transportation networks, increased diversity, and, not least of all, 'buzz' - the excitement and vitality that attracts ambitious people. 'The Wealth and Poverty of Regions' maps out how a heady mix of size, infrastructure, proximity, and cost will determine which urban centers become the thriving metropolises of the future, and which become the deserted cities of the past. Engagingly written, the book provides insight on the past, present, and future of regions.

Review:
'This is one of the most original books in the subject area that I have read in forty years. It is remarkable in the way it combines depth and breadth, all presented in a jargon-free, almost conversational style.' - Sir Peter Hall, Bartlett School of Architecture and Planning, University College London'

Author Biography:
Mario Polese holds the Senior Canada Research Chair in Urban and Regional Studies and is professor at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique in Montreal. He is coauthor of, most recently, Connecting Cities with Macroeconomic Concerns.