Book excerpt: A thoroughly unique perspective to the study of cities, this is the only available book that discusses how space is used in America and how it changes as the logic of location evolves historically. Bartlett starts with the assumption that cities are fundamentally unnatural phenomena and unravels the interactions of technological advances that have made cities possible and the policies that have given them shape. Bartlett examines --how current policies respond to and affect the organization of space (covering housing, transportation, government, and other urban issues) --the future of American cities: how they will impact and be impacted on by changing commercial and labor markets and by the problems of poverty and cultural change --the difficulties in and possibilities for overcoming social dilemmas where the best choices for individuals may lead to outcomes that are collectively worse. Anyone concerned about the future of America's cities will find this book invaluable.