Hollow City: The Siege of San Francisco and the Crisis of American Urbanism

alas, this is not an outdated book. sf has only become more homogenized since its publication (a topic that is crucial to the book, and covered very well in terms of past creative types who've inhabited sf). the book's overview of sf history is fascinating, and well-presented. solnit did a thoughful, unbiased job of evaluating the housing crisis in sf and its effect on the creative energy of the city. her metaphors are apt, and overarching points are salient. a highly recommended read to anyone who cares about san francisco history, or who has bemoaned the exodus of its artistic inhabitants.

Rebecca Solnit's prose is beautiful and Susan Schwartzenberg's photos are visionary as well. Thought provoking. I recommend this book as well as Gary Brechin's Imperial San Francisco and the classic by Jane Jacobs on cities as required reading for urban residents!