The Urban Now

Living in an Age of Urban Globalism

John Rennie Short, Emeritus Professor, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, US

Drawing upon over a quarter of a century’s worth of research, The Urban Now illuminates our present urban condition. John Rennie Short captures the main features of this moment of urban significance, investigating the city as a crucial arena strategically located between global flows and national surfaces.

‘The Urban Now is a brilliant synthesis of John Rennie Short’s recent work that covers the gambit of topics like globalization, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the informal economy while weaving in wonderful chapters to connect our daily experiences of the city in all its magic and its dangers. This book, just one of Short’s latest greatest hits, is a journey through, for example, the urban imaginary of the Weimar Bauhaus project, the resilience of informal communities in different cities, the perils of traffic and, in contrast, the joy of walking the city. Despite the various crises and problems discussed in the book, it is remarkably positive and, writing with characteristic clarity and buoyancy, Short demonstrates yet again his wonderful ability to make what can be complicated, accessible and a joy to read.’
– Bernadette Hanlon, Ohio State University, US

‘The Urban Now presents a panoramic view of critical issues facing the urban planet, ranging from sprawl and pandemics to climate change and social inclusion. The book is a masterful examination of how to build a good city and why it matters.’
– Xuefei Ren, Michigan State University, US

‘A leading scholar and public intellectual of contemporary urbanism, John Rennie Short presents a tour de force in his treatise The Urban Now. This riveting and engaging book is essential reading for anyone who cares about the urban moment that we live in, reckoning with the future of cities and humanity. Scholars and students alike will benefit from Short’s astute and prescient observations of urban globalism for generations to come.’
– Thomas J. Vicino, Northeastern University, US