Among urbanists, studies about megacities have been the prime agenda item in the research frontier. Not surprisingly, the literature on the world's largest cities is rich in number and coverage. However, there is a dearth of in-depth research about smaller cities considered to be second and third tier, and books on these smaller, lesser-known cities are few and far between. This book helps to fill that void by studying Hartford, Connecticut, and a couple of cities in other areas of New England. It is Hartford, however, that receives the most attention. Fifteen experts diffuse their experience on the region by mixing theory with applied practice, resulting in 14 very interesting chapters covering a wide range of topics, including the past, the present, and social, political, and economic issues. Not ignored is Hartford's position in the regional and global scene. Chapters examine the city's future potential with realistic conclusions, making it possible to gain an understanding of the city not previously available, particularly in a single volume. The rich bibliography found after each chapter can guide readers to greater insights. Maps, photographs, and tables complement the essays very well. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic levels/libraries.

Choice Reviews

Despite their global impact, so-called 'secondary cities' like Hartford have been largely overlooked in academic circles. Confronting Urban Legacy is a bold and welcome break from this tradition, focusing not only on these cities' own fortunes, but their context within the cultural and economic shifts of the past four centuries. Given the current challenges facing cities like Hartford, the content of this volume provides ample fuel for further research and public discussion on the twenty-first-century futures of cities like Hartford.

Pedro E. Segarra, Mayor of Hartford

Chen and Bacon offer a provocative view of the sprawling New England conurbation, where 'not great' cities like Hartford, Springfield, and Portland form a regional Middletown for the twenty-first century. This region is thoroughly global and highly problematic, divided between poor cities and rich suburbs, ethnic groups representing the Caribbean, Africa, and the U.S. South, a shrinking industrial and white-collar economy and a growing non-profit sector. Here, in a microcosm, is urban society.

Sharon Zukin, Brooklyn College and CUNY Graduate Center

What is most striking about this latest book from Trinity’s Center for Urban and Global Studies is the breadth of the offerings: the fascinating chapters that delve into the multi-faceted complexities of urban life as it has unfolded in Trinity’s home city of Hartford over the last 400 years. The diverse range of authors includes not only well-established senior scholars but also a new generation of rising urbanists, including recent graduates of Trinity College who have added crucial insights on New England's vastly complicated and continuously changing urban environments.

James F. Jones Jr., President and Trinity College Professor in the Humanities, Trinity College

Jane Jacobs famously wrote that the ‘foundation of cities is trade.’ I truly believe that in this century every city needs to understand its special position in the global economy and global networks, building from historic legacies and links. To this end, Chen and Bacon compile a rich and original set of research that positions Hartford and similar small New England cities firmly on the global stage. This is a great platform for rebirth and renewal.

Bruce Katz, Brookings Institution and Founder, Metropolitan Policy Program