Dreams + Disillusions explores the plethora of ideas and ideologies that have shaped and reshaped cities in profound ways. However, unlike a conventional title on the history of urbanism and architecture, its research fluctuates between the world of concrete reality and the multiple universes that exist in lucid prose, poetic visions, and the outrageous imaginations of history’s greatest and most (in)famous minds. In their thoughts are the foundations for political trends and new civilisations, alternative mappings and unlikely phenomena. The six chapters reveal dreams that were fundamental to the origin of great cities, underpinning the stories of the many lives within; and how, through circumstance or manipulation, fortunate coincidence or planned perfection, desires are sometimes left defeated and disillusioned. Myth and belief. Tradition and logic. Revolution and marginalisation. Ignorance and hubris. Sins and excess. Seasons and climate. Continuously interacting, shifting to enlighten and to enrage, these themes combine critical thinking with deep-rooted influences and new agencies that are a true sign of the times. The 18 illustrated speculations provide an abundance of curious imaginings, diverse provocations and satirical criticism. While there are distinctions between dreams and disillusions, could virtues be made of sins, or sensitivity be borne from hubris? Could progress advocate tradition, or should we re-attempt revolutions formerly experienced as disillusionments? Whether by bold gestures or by subtle attrition, cities are continually re-written crucibles for the human condition. In this book, we develop a better understanding of the discourse of cities tailored to the determining factors of climate, resources, and humanity’s idiosyncrasies to address a world in crisis.

From Dreams to Disillusionment is the first book to cover the planning experiment of the 1960s in full historical detail. Other countries' planners made the approach seem successful, however, the experiment eventually failed, doomed to disappoint given unrealistic expectations, lack of time and an overburdened government.

This collection of essays by historian Fritz Stern ponders the promise and catastrophe of twentieth-century German history. It is now reissued with a new introduction by the author.

“Impressive . . . [Cristina García’s] story is about three generations of Cuban women and their separate responses to the revolution. Her special feat is to tell it in a style as warm and gentle as the ‘sustaining aromas of vanilla and almond,’ as rhythmic as the music of Beny Moré.”—Time Cristina García’s acclaimed book is the haunting, bittersweet story of a family experiencing a country’s revolution and the revelations that follow. The lives of Celia del Pino and her husband, daughters, and grandchildren mirror the magical realism of Cuba itself, a landscape of beauty and poverty, idealism and corruption. Dreaming in Cuban is “a work that possesses both the intimacy of a Chekov story and the hallucinatory magic of a novel by Gabriel García Márquez” (The New York Times). In celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the novel’s original publication, this edition features a new introduction by the author. Praise for Dreaming in Cuban “Remarkable . . . an intricate weaving of dramatic events with the supernatural and the cosmic . . . evocative and lush.”—San Francisco Chronicle “Captures the pain, the distance, the frustrations and the dreams of these family dramas with a vivid, poetic prose.”—The Washington Post “Brilliant . . . With tremendous skill, passion and humor, García just may have written the definitive story of Cuban exiles and some of those they left behind.”—The Denver Post

This humorous tale of the na?ve and curious African student-cum-philosopher wandering between North and South, the rural and the urban, has been in gestation for a period of nearly two decades. With allusion to traditions of the philosophical novel and the picaresque, Nyamnjoh's protagonist travels from his African village to the sharply divided and socially cruel world of 1980s Britain. By casting aside his disillusion and the traps of servitude and victimhood, The Disillusioned African reveals his creative potential for curiosity and adventure. He brings a bird's eye view, always affectionate, gently mocking, to the cultural idiosyncrasies of the new world he encounters, which throws his own African culture, politics and socio-economic realities into light relief. Praise for The Disillusioned African 'Whatever the imagined future for Africa, this courageous book will certainly provide, for both its foreign readers and the young generation of Cameroonians, a provocative insight into the complex web of despair, frustration, paradox and hope . on the eve of the 21st century.' - Louise Cuming, Catholic University of Central Africa 'In his characteristically humorous style, Nyamnjoh portrays the various social ills in society and castigates the political elite he holds largely responsible.' - Piet Konings, African Studies Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. 'Francis Nyamnjoh . has a particular way of saying very serious things in the most unserious manner. He entertains, and in the process he moralises, he teaches, he gives you lessons. learning experience and philosophy to give you a view of the dilemma of the African.' - Sammy Beban Chumbow, Professor of Linguistics, University of Yaounde I

The Purrfect Trilogy was written for the millions of ordinary, everyday people who will move our civilization into a new era and feel overwhelmed by this task. These books are written to the science of vibration. Different levels of understanding are woven through the text, so one will be right for you. Each time you read them, your comprehension changes, as you can see more than you could before. As your comprehension changes, so your vibration changes, and manifests according to your new tone. As we understand within ourselves, so we manifest withoutto explore our level of understanding, individually and collectively. Through this journey of the rational mind and the emotional heart, youll explore different levels of understanding, eventually coming to see a bigger picture of yourself as you understand more about the human condition and our interconnectedness. Micro to macro. The only way to greater understanding of humanity and how we create is through greater understanding of selfand the magic within oneself. The magic we use every day, but often misuse, when we dont realize were energy beings who use our mind to do magicevery day! The Three-Step Lesson of This Trilogy: Book 1: See with two eyes Book 2: Open your heart to others and your experiences Book 3: Live in your brother-/sisterhoodyour wholeness

Discover the profound journey within "The Conscience of Disillusion: Losing the purpose of life to accept the truth." Dive into the author's captivating life experiences as he unravels the meaning of existence and the formation of our identities. This thought-provoking autobiographical narrative reveals hidden truths through a tapestry of fantastic and magical, yet sometimes painful, experiences. Explore the author's profound insights as he delves into the essence of human existence and the intricate workings of the mind. Gain invaluable knowledge about the human condition and the way we perceive and navigate life. Uncover the complete range of thoughts that encompass our shared existence and the challenges we face on a personal and collective level. "The Conscience of Disillusion" is a must-read for those in search of purpose and truth. It resonates with readers who yearn to rediscover the world and reshape their realities. Whether you're on a personal quest for self-discovery or seeking a deeper understanding of our shared human experience, this book offers profound insights and transformative perspectives. As you immerse yourself in the author's unique voice and storytelling style, prepare to be moved by the emotional tone that permeates these pages. From heartwarming moments to suspenseful contemplations, "The Conscience of Disillusion" will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Unlock the truth within yourself and embrace the journey of self-discovery. Take the first step and delve into "The Conscience of Disillusion" today. Let this book guide you towards a profound understanding of life, purpose, and the intricate tapestry of our shared existence.