Baltimore, a Living Renaissance

Rating:
Summary: Good Background Reading
Review: Baltimore has gone through many phases, the last of which was a purported "renaissance" that began to be manifested during the reign of Mayor William Donald Schaefer. This book, with chapters written by prime movers and knowledgeable participants, brings together the dynamics of change in the city from about 1955 to 1980, without flinching at the shortcomings of leaders and institutions. The chapters offer needed cautionary perspective to do-gooders and power-brokers alike. Change does not occur quickly; nor does it happen (beyond surface change) without introspection and pain. This is true not just with people, but with cities. Baltimore is now undergoing another re-invention--perhaps it's time for the editors to get busy on a sequel.