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"This is an outstanding book... What Richard Harris has done is to add a completely new dimension to North American urban history... This is a great step forward for Canadian urban history, and indeed for American history as a whole." -- Anthony R. Sutcliffe, Cities

"The book is remarkable for its breadth, depth, and accuracy... Unplanned Suburbs stands out... impressively as an excellent historical research primer." -- APA Journal

"Harris tells a nearly forgotten story... If he is right about Toronto's suburban history being typical of North America, an entire chapter of it -- the owner-built blue-collar suburb -- has simply dropped out of memory." -- Planning

"This book demonstrates great commitment to the subject, impressive research skills, and engaging reporting... Get it and read it." -- Canadian Journal of Urban Research

"Harris's study... is based on first-rate scholarship and should make an impact among urban historians and geographers." -- Journal of Urban Design

"This very readable volume makes a significant contribution... that will be of interest to those in the fields of urban planning, housing, urban sociology, and urban history." -- Urban Studies

"A superb study of working-class suburbanization..." -- Journal of Social History

It is widely believed that only the growth of mass suburbs after World War II brought suburban living within reach of blue-collar workers, immigrants, and racial minorities. But in this original and intensive study of Toronto, Richard Harris shows that even prewar suburbs were socially and ethnically diverse, with a significant number of lower-income North American families making their homes on the urban fringe. In the United States and Canada, lack of planning set the stage for a uniquely North American tragedy. Unplanned Suburbs serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked suburban growth.

Customer Reviews (2)

suburbs for the working class
Like Harris' Creeping Conformity, this book focuses on shantytowns built by homeowners in Toronto's working-class suburbs during the first half of the 20th century; however, this book focuses on Toronto to an even greater extent than does Creeping Conformity, and benefits from a greater level of detail. In 1913, 79% of all households in Toronto's suburbs were headed by blue-collar laborers, as opposed to 59% in Toronto proper.

Why were laborers so likely to be suburban homeowners?Because the absence of government regulation meant that people could go out to suburbs and build shacks themselves as cheaply as possible, while the absence of government water/sewer service discouraged more affluent people from doing the same.Also, the slow development of Toronto's transit system meant that suburbs without streetcar service were not tremendously attractive to middle-class buyers.

By contrast, by 1951 Toronto's suburbs were actually less blue-collar than the city.What changed?

In trying to extend basic services such as water and sewer, suburbs made themselves expensive places to live.For example, between 1925 and 1929 per capita municipal debt almost doubled in York Township, one of Toronto's suburbs; as a result, 27 percent of York taxes went unpaid- and the Great Depression meant even more tax delinquencies, causing some blue-collar suburbanites to lose their homes. Instead of "filtering down" to poorer buyers, their houses "filtered up" to buyers who could afford to pay municipal taxes.

And in 1935, Canada's federal Parliament passed the Dominion Housing Act (DHA) to assist the construction industry.The DHA sought to revive the construction industry by subsidizing mortgages.Most DHA mortgage recipients were middle-class homeowners in more affluent suburbs, thus promoting the suburbanization of the middle classes.(80% of DHA loans were made on suburban property).

long overdue examination
The most insightful reading on Canadian social history I have ever read has been this type ofacademically researched theme woven into a story, and big as the story is ,this book does not disappoint. I am an artist so it was wonderful insight to see some new Harris artwork in context to boot ! A reason for making this book part of my library was personal to intimate. My parents and theirplaymates spent an idyllic yet somehow gritty self-reliant youth in the Toronto Silverthorne addition. They intermarried, went off to war together, are still today the best of chums.What on earth could have accounted for it? This book goes away towards an answer that is long overdue.
More detailed , separately appendixed maps would tell a better story ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Best Florida Travel Book Ever
When we were planning a trip to the Everglades, a friend loaned us this book, even though the copyright dated from 1989.We have yet to return it because it is such a great resource for planning trips through Florida. Not only does it give you a detailed travel route, but the sightseeinghighlights along the way make the drive enjoyable.I particularly like thesuggested schedules and have followed Mr. Harris' suggestions on more thanone occasion.I always pull the book out when I am having out of towncompany in Florida and it helps me plan my sightseeing trips with myguests.I highly recommend this book and wish it was still in print!

Great book for the adventurous, budget traveler.
When we are planning a trip we always see if there is a 2 to 22 days book about the area. Once again, they came through with Florida. Information is accurate, and interesting. Check it out. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: Waterlow Bros. & Layton in 1881 in 389 pages; Subjects: Trial practice; Cross-examination; Lawyers; Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges; Law / General; Law / Civil Procedure; Law / Legal Profession; Law / Trial Practice; ... Read more

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Just when you think globalization has conquered all, Hidden Guatemala reveals a land where highland villagers carry on traditions dating back to the ancient Mayan empire, and where lofty volcanoes, verdant valleys, vast rainforests, and ancient archaeological sites have stood untouched for centuries. Author Richard Harris shares know-how earned the hard way in journeys by pickup truck, motorcycle, riverboat, "pig 'n' chickens" bus, and on horseback to the most remote corners of the country. He explains the best way to see famous Mayan sites like Copan and Tikal, then lays out the specific steps needed to find Piedras Negras and Altar de los Sacrificios, which are reachable only by river. Blending colorful descriptions, contagious optimism, and blunt honesty, Harris explains how to overcome limited services while maximizing the pleasures of exploring this exotic locale. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

God book, bad on Kindle
The book has nice information in it, it has great information in it. As a bound book it would be a great travel guide. On the Kindle however, there are no links build into the the index. That is a major drawback for the Kindle version. ... Read more

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The book introduces co-integration techniques at a very moderate technical level; testing for (co-) integration is explained thoroughly with plenty of examples which emphasise how the tests are actually performed ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Using Cointegration Analysis in Econmetric Modelling
The book is pretty average. The author explains relatively well unit roots and tests on whether they are present in time series or not. When it comes to cointegration the author explains well the Engle-Granger methodology andits caveats. He also explains a dynamic approach whic is superior in termsof less bias in equation estimation and inference. However when it comes tothe systems approach developed by Johansen ( a VAR approach) theexplanations get confusing when it comes to testing hyptoheses. By tryingto simplify too much, there is a great risk the non-knowledgeable readercan get easily lost and discouraged. ... Read more

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AAA Hidden Highways of California introduces the traveler to back-road adventures that follow carefully planned routes. The narrative moves swiftly from point to point, bringing the area to life at the same time that it recommends places to visit, maps out itineraries, and features sidetrip excursions. Nine journeys are detailed, from Route 1 along the coast to Highway 395 high in the Sierras. The history and character of Northern California are revealed on themed drives through the Gold Rush region and the Wine Country. A special urban drive through the neighborhoods of San Francisco is also featured. Local and specific AAA maps - trusted for accuracy and usefulness - are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A great reference book - don't try to read it cover to cover
When reading this book cover to cover, I found it lacked a climax and character development. It was also particularly lacking in plot.

As a reference, this is a great book. Just don't try reading it cover to cover like me. It's best used to just thumb through, or to look up a particular area of travel.

I recently had the opportunity to test and verify some of the information in this book by embarking on one of the routes. I found the mix of information and history informative.

The book is durable and convenient in size to take along with you. And, seems a good value for the price. I plan on keeping this book on hand as a good reference for when I next take a road trip in Northern California.

worth it even for one drive
I used this book for a drive from the Bay Area up to Sacramento.We would have taken I-80 if we'd not read about CA 160 through the California Delta.The book also came in handy for a day trip down California Highway 49, with very specific instructions about where to turn and what to see.It would be nice to have color photos of each sight (Dorling Kindersley style) but otherwise this is a great companion.

worth it even for one drive
I used this book for a drive from the Bay Area up to Sacramento.We would have taken I-80 if we'd not read about CA 160 through the California Delta.The book also came in handy for a day trip down California Highway 49, with very specific instructions about where to turn and what to see.It would be nice to have color photos of each sight (Dorling Kindersley style) but otherwise this is a great companion.

A superb guide book for Northern California travelers.
From lesser-known pocket beaches and family-owned wineries to sporting adventurers and English country pubs in out of the way places, Richard Harris & Ray Riegert's AAA Hidden Highways Northern California outlines both the human and natural wonders to be found off the beaten path in California. Packed with maps and destination-oriented travel advice, this takes a well-known region and offers new twists and turns. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is not a recent book although I like it
It was not until I received it in the mail that I realised this "book" was a bound photocopy of a title written in 1886. You see, it is a Nabu Public Domain Reprint. In other words, because it was first published before 1923 anyone in America can photocopy it and sell it on Amazon! Although the antiquated language in the book is entertaining (and the book itself is a bloody good read if you're a lawyer), it is not fit for the purpose which its title suggests so potential buyers be warned! ... Read more

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Almost all cultures have a myth of paradise - envisaged either as a 'Golden Age' in the past, a time of earthly perfection not yet come, or a glorious afterlife beyond death. This is a study of a wide range of paradise concepts, widely separated in time and space. In a fascinating exploration of this theme, the author spans cultures and history, isolating distinctive features of these different perceptions of paradise and identifying their common significance in a thread running to the present. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Sacred Trust's portrayal of AMA as self-serving consistent with doctor's experience
I read Richard Harris' Sacred Trust in 1968 when I was an earnest young medical student. His portrayal of the AMA as capable of dissembling and covert strategies to undermine policies not consistent with its financial interests worried me and threatened my image of the AMA as a largely well-meaning organization. But years of medical practice confirmed that the AMA perpetuated a healthcare system that was insensitive to the uninsured and overly chummy with big Pharma and HMOs. I regard this as a must-read for anyone interested in understanding more about medical politics.

Would give more than five stars!Fascinating book
I've seen a number of books on Medicare history & policy - they usually summarize the pre-Medicare battles (1930s, 1950s), a few pages on Medicare law (1965 story) and move on.This book focuses on the interactions between the AMA and Medicare legislation from the 1920s to 1965.It's fantastic.A wealth of detail, journalism-style.It's an anti-AMA book, but even allowing for possible bias, it's a page turner.All kinds of tidbits, for example, he says the AMA was so rabid against Medicare in 1962, 1963, that it refused to support the surgeon general's smoking/cancer report because that might cost the AMA anti-Medicare votes in tobacco states.This is a breezy book, not academic policy history, but boy it's fun. Also huge parallels between (a) the early 1960s and (b) the Clinton health plan - see the book "Road to Nowhere" - and (c) the Medicare Modernization Act political battles (2003) and (d) any possible health legislation in the 2007-2010.You'll never look at any political debate the same after reading this book. ... Read more

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Richard Harris takes readers on a tour of the Southwest, from Mesa Verde to the Grand Canyon. From national parks to the best restaurants in Santa Fe, and encompassing Las Vegas as well as Native American ruins, this is a guide to Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. ... Read more