From 1946 to 1956 Duncan was based in the Middle East; shooting for Life magazine. From those 10 years of assignments; this book was produced. He covers the entire Muslim world: Jerusalem; Spain; Morocco; Algeria; Libya; Egypt; Palestine; Turkey; Afghanistan; Pakistan and more. A spectacular achievement and very well printed. Cloth bound hardback in dust jacket. 280 pages; profusely illustrated with full-page color and bw gravure-printed photographic plates; 10 x 13.5 inches.
#821878 in Books 1998-11-17 1998-11-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 7.00 x 2.25l; #File Name: 03945873241184 pagesHardcover BookFirst EditionDust JacketNon FictionCivilization
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Hall's scholarship sustains this thousand pagesBy Ben StrangeHall's study of the rise and fall of cities may be thick; but his pages sparkle with insights that frequently seem applicable to one's neighborhood and sometimes even one's self. If the vastness of Hall intimidates; read the introductions and conclusions to each section first; as a way of showing yourself what's coming and why it matters. This technique can flesh out the importance of the fine details of his chapters. (Similarly; the separate "books" within this one can be read separately.)For anyone with an interest in urban issues; Hall presents worlds within worlds. For instance; his study of Paris in 1905 shows brilliantly how Picasso's genius was more likely to flower there than anywhere else at the time; and his industrial storytelling shows why Glasgow was uniquely poised to move the shipping of the world from sail to steam. This is a vast book; but it weaves so many threads together that it has to be. One reading; even of so large a book; will not be enough.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy Erwin B WilliamsonAn interesting and somewhat academic treatment; but worth having and therefore worth reading. I think I gave this to my brother for a Christmas present - he likes this sort of thing; you know.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very detailed and long!By MoonstarrThis book was a textbook to me. It's a huge work with lots of details. You won't just read "This was a city in this region where these people lived and did this kind of work." You will read how the city got started; how it rose and fells; and the repercussions of what went on there. You will heard specific names and dates; and all kinds of complex information. Unless you are a history major; this book may seem very daunting; but if you want to know everything; here you go! Okay; it doesn't cover every single city ever; but it is a great companion to other books. If your interest is American history; then I also recommend Ronald Takaki's 'A Different Mirror."
