In clear and concise terms a distinguished list of contributors offer an introduction to the most critical issues in global and urban health. It reviews key themes with illustrative examples and cases, and contains the most current evidence. It links social determinants and urban life in developed and developing countries. It also contains assessment of primary determinants of well-being in cities: social and built environments, diet, and health care and social services. Also covered are topics on history of public health in cities, the impact of urban sprawl and urban renewal, and the common challenges.