Books
Learn about the history of urban life from the likes of Robert Caro and Eve Babitz.
Its a simple fact that the majority of people in the world live inurban areas.
And what better way to do that than by reading?
Of course, theres a lot more to cities than urban planning.
Cities have long been the refuge of outcasts, artists, and bohemians.
Youll also find a few novels that capture the essence of urban life better than history book ever could.
Below, 20 must-read books about the history and cultural life of cities.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle’s editorial team.
This edition, edited by Richard le Gallienne, offers a judicious and entertaining sample of Pepys diaries.
Caros enormous biography comes in at over 1,300 pages, but its endlessly readable.
There is no better book about Boston or about the 20th-century American city.
His characters feel almost like vehicles for his primary project: exploring and reflecting on the city of Lagos.
