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Eyes on the Street
496 pages, 2016
Eyes on the Street is a revelation of the phenomenal woman who raised three children, wrote seven groundbreaking books, saved neighborhoods, stopped expressways, was arrested twice, and engaged at home and on the streets in thousands of debates--all of which she won.
Here is the child who challenged her third-grade teacher; the high school poet; the journalist who honed her writing skills at Iron Age, Architectural Forum, Fortune, and other outlets, while amassing the knowledge she would draw upon to write her most famous book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities.
Here, too, is the activist who helped lead an ultimately successful protest against Robert Moses's proposed expressway through her beloved Greenwich Village; and who, in order to keep her sons out of the Vietnam War, moved to Canada, where she became as well known and admired as she was in the United States.
In 'Eyes on the Street', Robert Kanigel emphasizes the importance of observing our surroundings. He suggests that by paying attention to the details of our environment, we can better understand and appreciate the world around us. So, next time you're out and about, try to really see what's happening around you.
Kanigel's book explores how the design of our cities and neighborhoods can significantly impact our lives. From the way we interact with each other to our overall quality of life, urban design plays a crucial role. It's worth taking a look at your own city or town through this lens.
One of the key takeaways from 'Eyes on the Street' is the role of women in urban planning. Kanigel highlights the work of Jane Jacobs, a pioneering female urbanist, showing that women have made significant contributions to this field. This book encourages us to research and appreciate the often overlooked work of women in urban planning.
Kanigel's book underscores the importance of community in urban environments. He shows that strong, connected communities can help to create vibrant, safe, and enjoyable places to live. So, take a moment to think about how you can contribute to your own community.
In 'Eyes on the Street', Kanigel digs into the life and work of Jane Jacobs, a woman who revolutionized the field of urban planning. Her ideas about observing the city, valuing community, and considering the human scale have had a lasting impact. If you're interested in urban planning or social sciences, you'll definitely want to check out this book.
Quotes 5
Eyes on the Street is a magnificent biography of the woman who changed the way we view and build cities.
Michael Sorkin - Architectural CriticKanigel's book is a deeply researched, fascinating portrait of the life and work of Jane Jacobs.
Paul Goldberger - Architecture CriticA meticulously researched, brilliantly crafted biography of Jane Jacobs, the woman who taught us to see our cities in a new light.
Kirkus Reviews - Book Review MagazineEyes on the Street is a compelling, insightful read that brings Jane Jacobs to life.
Dwight Garner - Book CriticKanigel's book is a masterful exploration of Jane Jacobs, the woman who revolutionized urban planning.
Amanda Hurley - Journalist, EditorRecommendations
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