This collection of cross-disciplinary essays introduces students to the range and diversity of urban society, from the ancient cities of the preindustrial world through the present.

This collection of essays from across disciplines introduces students to the range and diversity of urban society throughout history, from the ancient world through the present. The book looks at cities representing three archetypes: Preindustrial, Industrial, and Postindustrial, and includes seminal pieces by classical and contemporary urban scholars. These essays trace the shifts in economic production from primary (agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry) to secondary (manufacturing), tertiary (financial, real estate, clerical), and quarternary (information and communication technology sectors) sectors. Efren N. Padilla is director of the Urban Studies Program at California State University-Hayward.