London

by Paul Mason

Published 13 October 2006
The capital of the United Kingdom, London is a leading business, political, and cultural center, as well as one of the world's four major cities (along with New York City, Tokyo, and Paris). London is the most ethnically diverse in Europe, with more than 300 languages spoken within its boundaries. A third of its area is green space, so residents are never far from a park. To meet the challenges of the future, the mayor's office has initiated the ""London Plan,"" with the goal of making the metropolis ""an exemplary, sustainable world city."" This engaging geography book, packed with full-color photographs, interviews with locals, and fact-filled study features, is an ideal introduction to the issues facing this historic city.

Sydney

by Paul Mason

Published 26 January 2007
Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the center of the country's economic activity. It has a comfortable climate, easy access to beaches, good public transportation, and a cosmopolitan and ethnically varied population with relatively few racial tensions. Because of these attractions, Sydney is considered one of the best cities in the world in which to live. However, it is not without its problems. There are very high levels of traffic congestion, which in turn contribute to severe air pollution. Water shortages are a growing threat in such a dry climate, and as the city grows so do its demands on a limited water supply. Hardworking text, inquisitive interviews, and a strong visual content displaying full-color maps and specially commissioned photographs are featured in Sydney, which shows how this global city is working to meet its challenges.