The Environment and the People in American Cities, 1600s-1900s: Disorder, Inequality, and Social Change

The Environment and the People in American Cities by Dorceta E.

Taylor is a groundbreaking examination of the development of urban environments and environmentalism in the United States.

This comprehensive study spans from the 17th century to the 20th century, providing a detailed analysis of how social inequalities have shaped the adjudication of questions related to health, safety, and land access and use.

Taylor's work offers important insights into the evolution of American environmental activism, tracing the progression of major thrusts such as alleviating poverty, sanitary reform, safe housing, parks, occupational health, consumer protection, and land use and urban planning.

Throughout her analysis, Taylor illuminates connections between past and present social and environmental conflicts, highlighting the displacement of people of color for natural open space production and the close proximity between garbage and communities of color in early America.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationships between society and the environment in American cities.