"This is the new paperback edition of a book originally published in '97, , and, as Thomas says in the new preface, the "book is as important today as it was when first published.". Thomas examines postwar development, and the 1949 urban renewal act, aimed at eliminating slums. She goes through the Coleman Young years, and takes a long, hard look at existing racial disunity. She's frank and honest, but always hopeful. That's really the approach that we should all take."--Brett Callwood, "This is history at its best, showing how easy it is to keep following the profession's timeworn habits instead of assessing them on their merits. Thomas goes on to discuss the complex results of the federal 1949 housing act, the failure of 'conservation' programs to revive neighborhoods and stem white flight, the 1967 civil disturbances, and the legacy of Mayor Coleman Young.

Her treatment of what in many ways is a terrible story remains unwaveringly thoughtful."-- "This is an extremely well-conceived and well-executed assessment of planning in Detroit from the 1940s through the early 1990s. It not only gives the reader a richly textured portrait of plannings rocky ride during this tumultuous era, but it also helps to explain why city leaders proved unable to halt the process of urban decline, even though there were so many resources thrown at the problem. This book can become one of the important books in planning history, urban history, African-American history, and urban studies."--Christopher Silver, "Unquestionably, Thomas (now a professor at the University of Michigan) makes a significant contribution to the literature. The book's key contribution is its detailed examination of the relationship between race relations and urban planning efforts. Few historical case studies of urban redevelopment give so much attention to urban planners. The text is as relevant today as when it was originally published.

However, it also offers an especially timely illustration of the potential dynamic interchange that can be fostered between urban planners and their respective communities. Thomas is especially adept at advocating for collaborative models of planning and partnership. The book is suitable for urban scholars, as well as planning practitioners or anyone with an interest in furthering social justice in our cities."--Heather Khan,.