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Genius of Common Sense: Jane Jacobs and the Story of the Death and Life of Great American Cities
In 1961, Jane Jacobs' book The Death and Life of Great American Cities , revolutionized the fields of city planning and city architecture. Jacobs perceived that the new structures being built to replace the aging housing of older cities were often far worse. This book reveals how Jacobs changed the way the world thought forever.
127 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 17, 2013
I read several books by and about Jane Jacobs this year including this one, aimed at younger readers. The opening lines of Jane Jacob’s classic text “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” are a call to arms: “This book is an attack on current city planning and rebuilding….It is also, and mostly, an attempt to introduce new principles of city planning and rebuilding, different and even opposite from those now taught in everything from schools of architecture and planning to the Sunday supplements and women’s magazines”. The concepts that Jacobs held dear then still ring true today. She opposed le Corbusier and his idea of the “Radiant City” (“towers-in-the-park”) and the idea of the “Garden City” (clusters of two story houses around large green space): the first because it took away the vibrant street life that she loved and because the projects were likely to become bleak and crime ridden (parents couldn’t actually see their kids play) and the second for being sterile, “clean”, and boring, while also lacking the dense bustle of city streets. She used these examples to show how many planners are actually anti-city and how they neglected the successes of cities to overly focus on their failures. There are some key concepts that Jane Jacobs pioneered in defense of vibrant cities: Mixed Use: Business, restaurants, entertainment intermingled with housing – a complicated jumble of activities. This creates safe city life because of the mix of people and “eyes on the street”. Short Blocks: Short blocks increase the paths people take and make for more interesting interactions, as well as vibrant street corners. Mixture of Old and New: Interesting visually and allows buyers to fix up older buildings and give more affordable options for people and businesses. Jane was also very interested in older buildings being adapted for newer purposes (warehouses turning into loft apartments, or gallery space, for instance). Finally, Jane was most interested in how neighborhoods work for people. Jane praised the diversity of neighborhoods and loved the mix of people from all backgrounds that these old neighborhoods contained. This book is a great starting place if you want an introduction to Jane’s ideas.
February 1, 2011
In my quest to understand the life, work and impact of Jane Jacobs, I have read almost every book, by or on Jane. One book that I had put off reading was Genius of Common Sense by Glenna Lang and Marjory Wunsch. It wasn't a priority for me, as the book is targeted to young reader and I thought it would be too basic given my knowledge of Jane and her writings.
Big mistake!
Genius of Common Sense is a must read for anybody interested in the life and work of Jane Jacobs. While indeed meant for young adults, the clear and concise writing provides a great introduction to the queen of urbanism. It's a quick and easy—but nonetheless compelling—read.
The book takes you on a journey from Jane's earliest days in Scranton, through her early days in New York to her battles with Robert Moses and the publication of Death and Life, and ultimately to her move to Toronto. It also talks about the people and instances that influenced her and her thinking. it is packed with details often overlooked in more academic texts, including her unruliness in grade school and her fascination with manhole covers.
The book includes excellent illustrations by the authors and rarely seen photographs of Jane and her family. It concludes with excellent appendices, including a bibliography, a chronology of Jane's live and detailed chapter notes.
Genius of Common Sense was written to bring alive the life of Jane Jacobs for any teenager wondering how s/he can make a difference in the world. It surpasses this goal and will inspire people of all ages to get involved in their community.
Yurbanism
Jane;s Walk Phoenix
Big mistake!
Genius of Common Sense is a must read for anybody interested in the life and work of Jane Jacobs. While indeed meant for young adults, the clear and concise writing provides a great introduction to the queen of urbanism. It's a quick and easy—but nonetheless compelling—read.
The book takes you on a journey from Jane's earliest days in Scranton, through her early days in New York to her battles with Robert Moses and the publication of Death and Life, and ultimately to her move to Toronto. It also talks about the people and instances that influenced her and her thinking. it is packed with details often overlooked in more academic texts, including her unruliness in grade school and her fascination with manhole covers.
The book includes excellent illustrations by the authors and rarely seen photographs of Jane and her family. It concludes with excellent appendices, including a bibliography, a chronology of Jane's live and detailed chapter notes.
Genius of Common Sense was written to bring alive the life of Jane Jacobs for any teenager wondering how s/he can make a difference in the world. It surpasses this goal and will inspire people of all ages to get involved in their community.
Yurbanism
Jane;s Walk Phoenix
July 18, 2020
If you want to know about something but are too busy to immerse yourself in lots of reading, find a well-written "children's" book. That is what this is.
"Death and Life of Great American Cities" has been recommended to me several times, probably on my TBR list and it was a book group pick, but it's a thick book on a subject that at this point in time I'm more interested in the highlights. I think I got that, plus a little bit of biography, from this book.
The mood I brought to the reading experience had a lot to do with how I reacted to some of what I read. In a good mood when I picked it up - happy about the success of the people having a say about what happens in their neighborhood. Feeling a little cynical - WHY do wealthy people want to run roughshod over other people just to increase the number of zeroes in their bank accounts?
"Death and Life of Great American Cities" has been recommended to me several times, probably on my TBR list and it was a book group pick, but it's a thick book on a subject that at this point in time I'm more interested in the highlights. I think I got that, plus a little bit of biography, from this book.
The mood I brought to the reading experience had a lot to do with how I reacted to some of what I read. In a good mood when I picked it up - happy about the success of the people having a say about what happens in their neighborhood. Feeling a little cynical - WHY do wealthy people want to run roughshod over other people just to increase the number of zeroes in their bank accounts?
February 9, 2020
Engrossing and inspiring!
Recommended for ages 11 and up.
Recommended for ages 11 and up.
January 16, 2024
เป็นหนังสือรวมบทความขนาดสั้นที่ว่าด้วยเรื่องของคุณเจน เจคอบส์แบบกระชับทั้งประวัติและผลงานของเธอ ที่ทำให้เห็นว่าคนตัวเล็กๆคนหนึ่งก็สามารถที่จะต่อสู้กับรัฐบาลที่กำลังจะเปลี่ยนแปลงเมืองที่เธออาศัยอยู่ได้ โดยที่อาวุธของเธอที่มีอยู่ก็คือการเป็นนักข่าวและงานเขียน
มันอาจจะเป็นหนังสือที่ตัวหลักของเรื่องไม่ได้ใกล้ชิดกับบริบทของไทยมากมายขนาดนั้น แต่เรื่องของการต่อสู้กับความอาติที่ทำของรัฐในการทำอะไรบางอย่างใน(หรืออาจจะหลายอย่าง) ที่มันช่างไม่สมเหตุสมผลเลย การลุกขึ้นมาต่อสู้และรวบรวมคนที่เห็นด้วยและได้รับผลกระทบมันก็อาจจะตอบโจทย์กับการยืนหยัดเพื่อต่อสู้ให้กับเมืองที่ตัวเองอาศัยอยู่ได้จริง
มันอาจจะเป็นหนังสือที่ตัวหลักของเรื่องไม่ได้ใกล้ชิดกับบริบทของไทยมากมายขนาดนั้น แต่เรื่องของการต่อสู้กับความอาติที่ทำของรัฐในการทำอะไรบางอย่างใน(หรืออาจจะหลายอย่าง) ที่มันช่างไม่สมเหตุสมผลเลย การลุกขึ้นมาต่อสู้และรวบรวมคนที่เห็นด้วยและได้รับผลกระทบมันก็อาจจะตอบโจทย์กับการยืนหยัดเพื่อต่อสู้ให้กับเมืองที่ตัวเองอาศัยอยู่ได้จริง
August 5, 2023
Written for a younger audience, it was a good introduction to Jane Jacobs, the anti-Robert Moses, and her activism in NYC and beyond. Really a remarkable woman, and an inspiration for those interested in grass roots organizing.
May 1, 2024
Fast read, marketed as a children's book, but is accurate and gives a solid overview of Jacobs, her impact and the time period.
June 5, 2025
I was unable to find "Death and the Life of Great American Cities" book, but this was at the library. It is a juvenile book to explain Jan Jacobs life and her intervention in urban city planning.
January 24, 2013
"Written by two Boston women who are also illustrators, Genius of Common Sense is a readable and well-researched biography that succeeds in capturing Jacobs and her world, not only in words but in drawings and period photos. It's promoted as a "book for young readers,'' which it certainly is, but it's better than that. It's the best short introduction yet to the life and work of one of the most influential Americans of her generation.
"
—Robert Campbell, The Boston Globe
"No stodgy history texts, Claudette Colvin and Genius of Common Sense throb with their heroines' passionate struggles. They are handsome books, loaded with primary sources like photographs and contemporary news accounts that bring alive these stories for any teenager wondering how she can make a difference in the world. "
—Ruth Coniff, The New York Times, May 10, 2009
"The theories of Jane Jacobs ... should be in the curriculums of grades 7 and 8, her books should be must-reads in all high schools, and her ideas should be discussed in all colleges and universities. Genius of Common Sense is not only a refreshing concept but also a delightful read ... a little gem of a book. "
—Bernard Poulin, Toronto Globe and Mail
"In my quest to understand the life, work and impact of Jane Jacobs, I have read almost every book, by or about Jane. One book that I had put off reading was Genius of Common Sense. It wasn't a priority for me, as the book is targeted to young readers and I thought it would be too basic given my knowledge of Jane and her writings. Big mistake! Genius of Common Sense is a must-read for anybody interested in the life and work of Jane Jacobs. While indeed meant for young adults, the clear and concise writing provides a great introduction to the queen of urbanism. It's a quick and easy—but nonetheless compelling—read."
—Yuri Artibise, Activist and organizer of Jane's Walk Phoenix, February 2, 2011
"Genius of Common Sense is an inspiring look at one of the great heroines of New York."
—Robert Caro, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Power Broker
"Jane Jacobs taught the world to see the true value of cities because she had the courage to trust her own experience and common sense. This is an inspiring story, deeply researched and beautifully told. "
—Robert Fishman, Professor of Architecture and Planning, University of Michigan
"This book is the cat's pajamas. It's the clearest account anywhere of who Jane was, what she did for cities, and how she did it. "
—Max Allen, Producer of CBC Radio's Ideas program and editor of Ideas That Matter: The Worlds of Jane Jacobs
"This book [is] terrific, and I know a few graduate students who will benefit immediately. I'm ordering copies ... "
—Sudhir Venkatesh, Professor of Sociology, Columbia University
"This is not just for children - this is a serious book!"
— Mohsen Mostafavi, Dean of Graduate School of Design, Harvard University
"This well-paced, seamlessly co-authored narrative introduces young adult readers to a little known person of great importance, whose visionary ideas changed the way we look at neighborhoods and value city life. The writers' black and white illustrations combined with vintage photographs, maps, and memorabilia give a vivid account of Jane Jacobs that will encourage young people to make observations and think critically."
—Susan Goldman Rubin, Prize-winning author of more than thirty young-adult biographies
"An absorbing story of a woman of genius, leadership, courage and imagination who changed the thinking of the world. Though written for younger readers, older ones also will enjoy reading about this remarkable person whose intellect and battles made American cities more civilized and humane places to live. Her impact was enormous and endures."
—Nicholas von Hoffman, former columnist for The Washington Post and commentator for 60 Minutes
—Robert Campbell, The Boston Globe
"No stodgy history texts, Claudette Colvin and Genius of Common Sense throb with their heroines' passionate struggles. They are handsome books, loaded with primary sources like photographs and contemporary news accounts that bring alive these stories for any teenager wondering how she can make a difference in the world. "
—Ruth Coniff, The New York Times, May 10, 2009
"The theories of Jane Jacobs ... should be in the curriculums of grades 7 and 8, her books should be must-reads in all high schools, and her ideas should be discussed in all colleges and universities. Genius of Common Sense is not only a refreshing concept but also a delightful read ... a little gem of a book. "
—Bernard Poulin, Toronto Globe and Mail
"In my quest to understand the life, work and impact of Jane Jacobs, I have read almost every book, by or about Jane. One book that I had put off reading was Genius of Common Sense. It wasn't a priority for me, as the book is targeted to young readers and I thought it would be too basic given my knowledge of Jane and her writings. Big mistake! Genius of Common Sense is a must-read for anybody interested in the life and work of Jane Jacobs. While indeed meant for young adults, the clear and concise writing provides a great introduction to the queen of urbanism. It's a quick and easy—but nonetheless compelling—read."
—Yuri Artibise, Activist and organizer of Jane's Walk Phoenix, February 2, 2011
"Genius of Common Sense is an inspiring look at one of the great heroines of New York."
—Robert Caro, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Power Broker
"Jane Jacobs taught the world to see the true value of cities because she had the courage to trust her own experience and common sense. This is an inspiring story, deeply researched and beautifully told. "
—Robert Fishman, Professor of Architecture and Planning, University of Michigan
"This book is the cat's pajamas. It's the clearest account anywhere of who Jane was, what she did for cities, and how she did it. "
—Max Allen, Producer of CBC Radio's Ideas program and editor of Ideas That Matter: The Worlds of Jane Jacobs
"This book [is] terrific, and I know a few graduate students who will benefit immediately. I'm ordering copies ... "
—Sudhir Venkatesh, Professor of Sociology, Columbia University
"This is not just for children - this is a serious book!"
— Mohsen Mostafavi, Dean of Graduate School of Design, Harvard University
"This well-paced, seamlessly co-authored narrative introduces young adult readers to a little known person of great importance, whose visionary ideas changed the way we look at neighborhoods and value city life. The writers' black and white illustrations combined with vintage photographs, maps, and memorabilia give a vivid account of Jane Jacobs that will encourage young people to make observations and think critically."
—Susan Goldman Rubin, Prize-winning author of more than thirty young-adult biographies
"An absorbing story of a woman of genius, leadership, courage and imagination who changed the thinking of the world. Though written for younger readers, older ones also will enjoy reading about this remarkable person whose intellect and battles made American cities more civilized and humane places to live. Her impact was enormous and endures."
—Nicholas von Hoffman, former columnist for The Washington Post and commentator for 60 Minutes
May 7, 2010
What makes a city livable? Does urban renewal always improve upon what is already present in a neighborhood? How can old buildings be used in new ways? In the 1950’s, the energetic and innovative Jane Jacobs began asking these important questions. She challenged the trend of razing old neighborhoods and building high-rise apartments. Jacobs encouraged ways of building that promoted “the cheerful hurly-burly” of mixed-use neighborhoods.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities, her groundbreaking book published in 1961, pioneered the idea that “every city is a unique and complex system”. Jane Jacobs was more than a writer and a speaker, she was an activist who inspired others to action.
Genius of Common Sense introduces Jacobs to a new generation. The book’s anecdotes, illustrations, photos, maps and sketches give young readers tools to look at their own cities and world with new perspective.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities, her groundbreaking book published in 1961, pioneered the idea that “every city is a unique and complex system”. Jane Jacobs was more than a writer and a speaker, she was an activist who inspired others to action.
Genius of Common Sense introduces Jacobs to a new generation. The book’s anecdotes, illustrations, photos, maps and sketches give young readers tools to look at their own cities and world with new perspective.
March 31, 2010
"Written by two Boston women who are also illustrators, Genius of Common Sense is a readable and well-researched biography that succeeds in capturing Jacobs and her world, not only in words but in drawings and period photos. It's promoted as a "book for young readers,'' which it certainly is, but it's better than that. It's the best short introduction yet to the life and work of one of the most influential Americans of her generation."
— Robert Campbell, The Boston Globe
"No stodgy history texts, Claudette Colvin and Genius of Common Sense throb with their heroines' passionate struggles. They are handsome books, loaded with primary sources like photographs and contemporary news accounts that bring alive these stories for any teenager wondering how she can make a difference in the world."
— Ruth Coniff, The New York Times, May 10, 2009
— Robert Campbell, The Boston Globe
"No stodgy history texts, Claudette Colvin and Genius of Common Sense throb with their heroines' passionate struggles. They are handsome books, loaded with primary sources like photographs and contemporary news accounts that bring alive these stories for any teenager wondering how she can make a difference in the world."
— Ruth Coniff, The New York Times, May 10, 2009
October 4, 2010
Need a biography of an innovative woman? Check out Genius of Common Sense, the story of Jane Jacobs. During her lifetime, Jacobs worked to ensure the life of neighborhoods in cities in response to urban renewal projects. Jacobs lived in Greenwich Village in New York City when urban planners, encouraged by city and federal governments, decided to knock down vibrant communities to make way for public housing and other public works projects. Many times over, Jacobs and her neighbors won council battles and helped save valuable pieces of city life.
While this book uses Manhattan as its point of reference, the ideas about which Jacobs later wrote can be applied to cities all over the country - Chicago in particular. Learn about the importance of people over cars and the importance of community over modernity.
This is definitely an inspirational biography for city kids.
While this book uses Manhattan as its point of reference, the ideas about which Jacobs later wrote can be applied to cities all over the country - Chicago in particular. Learn about the importance of people over cars and the importance of community over modernity.
This is definitely an inspirational biography for city kids.
April 20, 2014
I checked this book out because the library didn't have the book Jane Jacobs wrote herself. This book is her biography. It was listed as a young adult book, but I found it in the regular stacks. It contains a lot of good information, but it's written at about a 5th grade level, with lots of pictures and large illustrations. This book would put any normal 5th grader to sleep. It almost put me to sleep! Does anyone really care that Jane's grandfather fought in the Civil War, or that her aunt taught on Indian reservations? Jane Jacobs was an important woman who had valuable insight into how cities succeed or fail. This book didn't do her justice.
May 24, 2014
I recently went on a walk through gardens in my neighborhood sponsored by my local community council, and I had never heard of Jane Jacobs, after whom the walk was named. So I read this jr biography about her. I wonder if I would always have supported Jane in her fights against 'urban progress,' and I questioned the way she used children to help make her political points....but I appreciate her devotion to helping people feel safe and inspiring them to become lively participants in their own communities. And I loved seeing the beautiful gardens hiding in my neighborhood, so I'm grateful to her for that. I look forward to reading her own writing.
Read
February 13, 2018Jane Jacobs confidence changes the world inside and out. "Genius of Common Sense" by Glenna Lang, is about a young woman, Jane Jacobs who is trying to turn the world around. It contains the elements of adventure, power, and leadership. Jane creates her own adventure within her community and city to make a difference. Women are an important role in the world, who have the power to change it, and Jane wanted people to realize this. Lastly, the leadership that Jane takes a stand for, helps her realize that she is able to do something about the issues that are around her. In conclusion, "Genius of Common Sense" is recommended to all High Schoolers to read and understand women empowerment.
January 30, 2010
I had completely missed Jane Jacobs until ordering this juvenile nf book for our library system. Now that I've read it, I am looking forward to reading her book about cities, and I have a greater appreciation for the grassroots work she and others she inspired have done to save the personalities of cities. I don't know why it took me so long to find out about her, but I'm glad I did. This book was a very well-written intro to her life and to a real-life woman who was iconoclastic and independent and should be a model for strong girls and women today.
September 30, 2010
I loved The Death and Life of Great American Cities and was pleased to see a Jane Jacobs biography for younger readers. I am not sure that it will be a hit with the intended audience though. The issues could seem dry and unimportant or hard to grasp for youth with limited experiences of different places.
I might try to connect her work with a unit on Muckrakers or Civil Rights.
I might try to connect her work with a unit on Muckrakers or Civil Rights.
October 5, 2009
While it glosses over the fact that the neighborhoods Jane helped to save in NYC are now completely gentrified and unaffordable, this is a really good introduction to Jacobs' life and ideas for teens.
September 14, 2011
A fascinating introduction to a woman who made a very big difference. And a lot of little differences that added up, too! I'm sorry to say I had never heard of Jane Jacobs, before, but I am now very interested in reading her book.
Want to read
May 15, 2009Ages 10 and up.
Want to read
December 5, 2009New York Times Notable Children's Book of 2009
November 24, 2010
A great book for the 11-year-old architecture nerd in your life. Seriously!
I enjoyed it quite a lot myself, and now want to go out and read _The Death and Life of Great American Cities_.
I enjoyed it quite a lot myself, and now want to go out and read _The Death and Life of Great American Cities_.
December 31, 2010
I loved this story of Jane Jacobs. A strong woman, who loves to learn and is willing to stand up for and fight for what she believes in.
November 10, 2022
A wonderful little biography about author and urbanist Jane Jacobs
April 16, 2024
A biography of Jane Jacobs
Truly inspiring, how things were possible by people in a democratic world
I also love her idea of town making
Truly inspiring, how things were possible by people in a democratic world
I also love her idea of town making
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews