Liquid City

This insightful book explores the evolution of Megalopolis, examining key social and economic changes over the past fifty years, particularly in urban America.

The city of Megalopolis, founded in the Peloponnesian region around 371-368 BCE, was envisioned as a grand urban center. However, despite the ambitious plans of its founders, the city ultimately fell short of these dreams and began to decline by the late Roman period. This book delves into the historical context and evolution of Megalopolis, highlighting the significant social, economic, and demographic transformations that have occurred over time.

In 1957, the term 'Megalopolis' was popularized by geographer Jean Gottman, who used it to describe a sprawling urban area in the northeastern United States, encompassing major cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. This modern interpretation of Megalopolis reflects the complexities and challenges of urban life in a densely populated region. Liquid City stands as the first comprehensive examination of these changes, providing insights into the lives of the nearly one in six Americans who inhabit this significant area.

John Rennie Short utilizes 2000 Census data to explore various dimensions of identity, unity, and fragmentation within Megalopolis. By focusing on five key aspects of change—population shifts to suburbs, economic restructuring, immigration trends, racial and ethnic segregation, and globalization—Liquid City offers a clear and accessible analysis of one of the world's most influential urban regions, capturing its dynamic and fluid character.