This book presents an incisive outline of the historical development and geography of cities. It focuses on three themes that constitute essential foundations for any understanding of urban form and function. These are: (a) the shifting patterns of urbanization through historical time, (b) the...

Preface -- Background: Chengdu in a Global Context -- Comprehensive Analysis of Existing Data: Chengdu in the World City Network -- Social Research Finding One: Quantitative Analysis of Successful Enterprises -- Social Research Finding Two: Business Success Stories and Inspiration -- Moving onto...