In this indispensable book, urban visionary Jane Jacobs argues that as agrarianism gives way to a technology-based future, we’re at risk of cultural collapse. Jacobs—renowned author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities and The Economy of Cities—pinpoints five pillars of our culture that are in serious decay: community and family; higher education; the effective practice of science; taxation, and government; and the self-regulation of the learned professions. The corrosion of these pillars, Jacobs argues, is linked to societal ills such as environmental crisis, racism, and the growing gulf between rich and poor. But this is a hopeful book as well as a warning. Drawing on a vast frame of reference—from fifteenth-century Chinese shipbuilding to Ireland’s cultural rebirth—Jacobs suggests how the cycles of decay can be arrested and our way of life renewed. Invigorating and accessible, Dark Age Ahead is not only the crowning achievement of Jane Jacobs’ career, but one of the most important works of our time.

The bestselling series gets updated for a new year. What does the cosmos predict for you in 2004--for your love life, your health, or your finances? Join Susan Miller, accredited astrologer and creator of the award-winning site Astrologyzone.com, as she explores the planetary cycles the will affect your world in the 12 months to come. Featuring detailed predictions for each of the 12 signs, The Year Ahead 2004 reveals what you can expect in romance, family, career, and well-being, as well as the dates that are of special significance for your sign. Each entry begins with "the big picture" for the year, and then hones in on what should be the luckiest periods, the likeliest moments for passion to flourish, the challenges you'll face, and the opportunities that will open up. With special sections explaining the meaning behind all the houses, the planets, the sun, and the moon, this astrological "crystal ball" is the ideal way to prepare for the possibilities awaiting you. Susan Miller is an internationally known accredited astrologer, author, and columnist with 25 years experience. Her website, Astrology Zone(r) (www.astrologyzone.com), reaches millions of readers around the world each month, and her books include Planets and Possibilities and The Year Ahead 2003. Susan writes a monthly horoscope column for Self, and has penned countless cover stories for a wide variety of consumer magazines. Her newspaper column "Signs of Love" is a weekly feature in the New York Daily News. Susan is also a regular guest on such shows as 20/20, The View, CBS' The Early Show, The Other Half, and CNN's American Morning.