The City: The Basics provides a brief yet compelling overview of the study of cities and city life. The book draws on a range of perspectives – economic, political, cultural, and environmental aspects are all considered – to provide a broad comparison of the evolution of cities in the rich Global North and the poorer Global South. Topics covered in the book include:

• a brief history of cities from ancient times to the post-modern present
• the differences between "global cities" in the North and "megacities" in the South
• the environmental impact of urban life and the idea of sustainable cities
• urban planning, urban politics and urban poverty.

Featuring suggestions for further reading, recommended websites and a number of maps and illustrations, this is the ideal starting point for those interested in any aspect of cities or urban studies.