The North Atlantic Cities

by Charles Duff

Why do London and Baltimore have row houses while Paris and Minneapolis do not? This was the question that led Charlie Duff to explore the world’s rowhouse cities across the North Atlantic. What he found is that they form an urban family, bound together by architecture, commerce, and politics spanning more than 400 years.
The result of this research is a new book—The North Atlantic Cities—that takes readers on a journey that begins in Amsterdam in 1600 and ends in the present day. It covers Dutch, British, Irish, and American cities that house millions of people.

Genres: History, Urbanism, Nonfiction, Architecture, Urban Planning

280 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2019

Reviews

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure--I know the author, which is how I ended up purchasing this book at one of his speaking engagements in Baltimore. That said, I would objectively recommend this anyone who is curious about how the architecture and urban development of certain northeast American cities (NY, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore) came about, how they were heavily influenced by the development of Dutch and British cities, as well as why Paris looks completely different. There are books by city on the topic (a book on Baltimore rowhouses sits on our bookshelf), but what's interesting is how Duff weaves together the evolution across the centuries and the ocean. He covers how changes in society and fashion drove the urban landscapes of these different places, going way back to medieval England, which doesn't seem relevant at first, but turns out to be. And, he also covers how the architecture, in turn, influenced society.

The writing is engaging (very much like Duff is in person) and accessible and you'll come away with a greater appreciation for why places are the way they are. It's definitely furthered my interest in visiting the Netherlands and spending time there on foot. I didn't see the book available on Amazon, but you can buy it direct or contact some of the independent Baltimore bookstores.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book examining the development of the North Atlantic Cities and the various cultural, social and geographical reasons these cities, spread over several countries and two continents, developed in the unique way they did. It's readable with lots of interesting tangents while still staying focused and is full of lots of thought provoking material about urban design and architectural history. The photography in this book is beautiful.

[Joseph Biggin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply satisfying read. It provides a history and logic that imbues these cities and neighborhoods and buildings with a strong identity. The writing is outstanding; engaging, clever, and well organized. It seems that every page provides an eye-opening revelation, often some key insight that was hiding in plain sight. Highly recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in these cities or in the life of vibrant neighborhoods in general.

[David Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating book. A history of cities through their architecture.

The author identifies what he calls "The North Atlantic Cities" — New York, London, Amsterdam, etc. — which of course share some aspects of climate and culture.

But his broader point is that they share certain urban patterns — row houses, population densities, modes of public transit — which he considers to be ideal, having been developed through immense trial-and-error. And that other cities, in other places and in modern times, should heed their lessons. He makes a compelling argument.

[Eric Anderson]

Excellent overview of north Atlantic architecture and planning material culture

[Justin Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I’d written this book.