Today, for the first time in the history of humankind, urban dwellers outnumber rural residents. Urban places, towns and cities are of fundamental importance for the distribution of population within countries; in the organization of economic production, distribution and exchange; in the structuring of social reproduction and cultural life; and in the allocation of power.

The second edition of Urban Geography continues to provide an authoritative and stimulating global introduction to the study of towns and cities. The text synthesizes a wealth of material to provide unrivalled depth and breadth for students of urban geography, drawing on a rich blend of theoretical and empirical information with which to advance the knowledge of the city. The new edition has been extensively revised to reflect feedback from users and to incorporate the latest research and developments in the field.

The text is divided into six main parts that explain and discuss:
* The field of urban geography and theimportance of a global perspective
* The historical growth of cities from the earliest times and the urban geography of the major world regions
* The dynamics of urban structure and land-use change in Western cities
* Economy, society and politics in the Western City
* The economic, social, political and environmental challenge faced by the third world city
* An overview of the future of cities, and cities of the future

Urban Geography is superbly illustrated with more than 150 line drawings, over 50 photographs and a color plate section. There are also over 180 case-study and explanatory boxes, drawing insights from across the globe. The text also contains a glossary of key terms and words, chapter summaries, key points, study questions and annotated further reading.