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The Fall of a Great American City

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Published in The Fall Of A Great American City: New York And The Urban Crisis Of Affluence

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By Tom Philpott

Baltimore, once known as the "Charm City," has become a symbol of urban decay. In the past few decades, the city has been plagued by crime, poverty, and drugs. Violence has become an all too common occurrence, and the city's once-proud neighborhoods have fallen into disrepair.

The Fall of a Great American City: New York and the Urban Crisis of Affluence

by Kevin Baker

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14255 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages

But Baltimore is not without hope. In recent years, the city has begun to fight back. A new generation of leaders is working to revitalize the city's economy and improve the quality of life for its residents. And while the challenges are great, there is a growing sense of optimism that Baltimore can once again become a great American city.

In his new book, The Fall of a Great American City, acclaimed journalist Tom Philpott tells the story of Baltimore's decline and rebirth. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Philpott provides a nuanced and comprehensive account of the city's challenges and its hopes for the future.

Philpott begins his book by describing Baltimore's heyday. In the early 20th century, Baltimore was a thriving industrial city. It was home to a large number of factories and shipyards, and its port was one of the busiest in the country. The city was also a cultural center, with a thriving arts scene and a number of prestigious universities.

But Baltimore's fortunes began to decline in the mid-20th century. The city's industrial base eroded as factories and shipyards closed down. The port also declined in importance as shipping traffic shifted to other ports. And as the city's economy declined, so too did its social fabric. Crime, poverty, and drugs became rampant, and the city's once-proud neighborhoods fell into disrepair.

Philpott does not shy away from describing the challenges that Baltimore faces. He writes about the city's high crime rate, its struggling schools, and its poverty-stricken neighborhoods. But he also finds hope in the city's resilience. He writes about the city's dedicated police officers, its innovative educators, and its passionate community activists.

Philpott concludes his book by arguing that Baltimore is at a crossroads. The city can either continue to decline, or it can fight back and rebuild. He believes that the city has the potential to once again become a great American city, but it will take a concerted effort from all of its citizens.

The Fall of a Great American City is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of Baltimore or in the challenges facing urban America. Philpott's book is a well-written and informative account of the city's decline and rebirth. It is a book that will leave you with a sense of hope for the future of Baltimore and for the future of all American cities.

Reviews

"Tom Philpott has written a powerful and important book about the decline and rebirth of Baltimore. The Fall of a Great American City is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our cities."—David Simon, creator of The Wire

"A deeply reported and beautifully written account of Baltimore's decline and rebirth. The Fall of a Great American City is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing urban America."—Ta-Nehisi Coates, author of Between the World and Me

"Tom Philpott has captured the essence of Baltimore in this insightful and moving book. The Fall of a Great American City is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the city's past, present, and future."—Marilyn Mosby, State's Attorney for Baltimore City

The Fall of a Great American City: New York and the Urban Crisis of Affluence

by Kevin Baker

4.4 out of 5