Evolution of American Urban Society, The (6th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: A dynamic account of American Urban History
Review: Howard Chudacoff should be considered one of America's premier Urban Historians. Evolution of Urban Society provides an in-depth yet readable account of everyday life in Urban America. Organized by era, the concepts and problems of urban life are clearly presented.

Rating:
Summary: Informative, but lacking in style and usefulness.
Review: Prof. Chudacoff and Smith's book is concise in its discussion of events and personalities. In this sense it is an ideal _textbook_--but even though it is in its fifth edition it could use some editing! There are problems with textual flow and art, and in useful conclusions: saloons provided an outlet for "the musical expression of the black soul." Or how about the oft-mentioned but never defined or measured "rugged individualism" of Americans?