This book follows the evolution of the very large city across the world from its origins in Ancient times to its current dominant position in both the industrialised world and the Third World. In-depth studies are devoted to the key giant cities of human history at decisive points in their growth.

Preface; T.Barker - Introduction: the Giant City as a Historical Phenomenon; A.Sutcliffe - Rome: a Pre-industrial Metropolis; H.W.Pleket - The Densely populated Areas in Ancient China: their Types and Effects on Historical Development; G.Jianxion - London: a Unique Megalopolis?; T.Barker - Port Functions: Innovation and the Making of the Megalopolis; J.Konvitz - 'An Imperial Amsterdam?' The St Petersburg Age in Northern Europe; M.Engman - The Impact of Moscow on the Development of Russia; Y.E.Vodarsky - Berlin (1871-1939): Megalopolis Manqu e; G.Brunn - Some Reflections on the Concept of Megalopolis and its Use by Patrick Geddes and Lewis Mumford; H.Meller - Anglo-Saxon Cities on the Pacific Rim; L.Frost - Bangkok: from Primate City to Primate Megalopolis; M.Falkus - Cities and Culture: an Embarrassed Silence; D.J.Olsen - Sao Paulo the Quintessential, uninhibited Megalopolis as seen by Blaise Cendrars in the 1920s; N.Sevcenko - Megalopolis unbound: Decentralization and the End of Metropolitan Culture; R.Fishman - Index