The Well-Tempered City: What Modern Science, Ancient Civilizations, and Human Nature Teach Us About the Future of Urban Life Paperback – Illustrated, September 12, 2017

I just finished the Well-Tempered City and feel very grateful to have spent time with such a kind and intelligent author. Jonathan Rose's holistic view, combined with his tremendous culture and knowledge, provide a global vision of all of the issues of society within a city, from water management, energy, public spaces, health and education, to what really shapes a city: its purpose. Not having any background in city planning, I was very interested to have such a tour of all of the skills needed to make a healthy city. One important concept that makes itself clear is the need for collective impact: that all good efforts should support each other. I feel this book is a good read for anyone who wants to be inspired and be part of making the world better.

I haven’t been able to put this ;remarkable book down. The preface and the Introduction should be absolutely required reading for every person who dares to call herself or himself a planner in these times. The Well-Tempered City is a brilliant, accessible, insightful call to sensibility for all of us who love cities, but are unhappy with some of their conditions or puzzled about how to contribute to their improvement. The combination of breadth and depth is so compelling that it has stimulated a bunch of new ideas in my head just in the last hour or so of reading. I think Jonathan Rose has written the first book since Jane Jacob’s masterwork that belongs on the shelf beside hers. I am particularly thankful for the attention given to matters like compassion and community. These absolutely critical elements of the ecology of cities are so often left out by authors who feel they are too “soft” to be worthy of the written word, especially in our so-called “technological age”. Thank you, Mr. Rose, for this rich narrative about cities. May it get under the skin, through to the head and into the heart of all those who inhabit, govern and plan this most crucial of human projects.

Absolutely love this book. He goes into incredible detail on a number of issues facing urban planning today and gives fantastic examples of how they are being answered, or what he believes should be done to overcome them. If you're interested in cities, urban planning, or real estate development in general this is a MUST read.

Brilliantly thought out and presented in a logical and entertaining form, this volume gives hope that human life as we know it may just survive on this planet after all. People are returning to live and work in cities all over the U.S., and are drawn to them in the developing countries worldwide - this exploration of the beginnings of the city, their historical development, and current trajectory, is fascinating reading for anyone who cares about sustainable living. The idea of "system thinking" about cities, as is done for ecosystems such as the Amazon or Greater Yellowstone, is relatively new, and Rose applies the critical thinking that is so important if we and our culture are to survive. Highly Recommended.

Deep and rich insight into how we can revitalize our urban spaces. Worth the time for the read. Definitely. The historical underpinnings of Roses narrative are a real treat.

I enjoyed this book, but the author tends to wander at times, leaving you to wonder where he's going with the point. This is not to say that it's not worth a read though. It provides great insight into city planning.

Book was advertised to be in very good condition and signed by the author.When the book I arrived I opened it up to see that the previous owner had heavily marked up the book with ink comments that seriously detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Hence I am going to order a new copy for my personal library after the holidays and throw this copy away.

Rich, insightful analysis, copious supporting research, and a voice informed by deep love of the subject matter.

Good product good time delivery!!

When noticed that Mr. Rose brought classical music (of Bach's) into his research, I felt robbed, instantly. His psychological wavelength matches with mine. Comparative study is a tremendously difficult thing but he did present it very neatly. I am wondering and learning, even if I am having difficulties.

good book on urban planning. Fast delivery