Synopses & Reviews
The foremost scholar on Hegemann, Collins examines the theoretical and ideological basis of his belief in an urban universality to benefit humanity and discusses the criticism he encountered to present a comprehensive analysis of a leader in a field just beginning to define itself.
Review
"Now, at last, a biography of Hegemann has been published... [T]his book is a step toward reclaiming a notable figure." New Urban News
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"Thanks to decades of scholarship by Collins, we now have the first substantive, comprehensive, and coherent review of the role Hegemann (1881-1936), a protean critic, editor, author, and educator, played in the small circle of people grappling seriously with the problems produced by the explosive and inchoate growth of the modern city.... [T]he well-made book includes a rich bibliography in the numerous footnotes and an extensive selective list of Hegemann's publications...Highly recommended." Choice
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"Collins has undoubtedly performed a great service in awarding her farsighted, brave and ultimately tragic hero the attention he has deserved." Modern Painters
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"By providing this first true study of his career, Collins... has increased our understanding of the diversity of urban and architectural criticism in the early twentieth century." Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review
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"[A] key contribution...[G]reat depth of research...Collins has performed an admirable service in recalling Hegemann's vital role..." American Historical Review
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"[S]hould appeal to many with an interest in modernism and the modern city." H-Net Book Review
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[R]eads as a veritable 'who's who' of early twentieth-century urbanists…[P]articularly valuable. --Judith Kenny, Dept. of Geography, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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[I]mportant addition to the history of urbanism in the first half of the twentieth century --Jill Pearlman, Bowdoin College
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[I]mportant contribution to the literature of twentieth-century urbanism…It will undoubtedly become the standard work on Hegemann and his many-faceted career. --Eric Mumford, Washington University in St. Louis
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There is much to admire...content, impressive attention to detail, and the capacity to maintain a consistently high level of scholarship --Lake Douglas
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[A]n engaging narrative account of Hegemann's origins and his involvement in city-planning debates. --David Midgley, St. John's College, Cambridge
Synopsis
Addressing the life and work of a major figure of the Modern Movement in architecture and city planning, about whom very little is known, this first full study of Werner Hegemann (1881-1936) recounts his contribution to the emerging discipline of international city planning and his influential position within the movement.
About the Author
Christiane Crasemann Collins, a historian of modern architecture and city planning, lives in West Falmouth, Massachusetts.