
A classic since its publication in 1961, this book is the definitive statement on American cities: what makes them safe, how they function, and why all too many official attempts at saving them have failed. The Death and Life of Great American Cities, by Jane Jacobs (1961). Top 20 All-Time Urban Planning Books Every Planner Should Read In addition to clicking through to buy the books listed below, be sure to check out the Planetizen Store for authoritative and informative books in urban planning, design, and development.


Planetizen's annual top urban planning books list features the top 10 urban published during each year. The “ Planetizen 20” features the all-time top 20 urban planning books that every planner should read.
