Jan Nijman is Director and Distinguished University Professor at the Urban Studies Institute of Georgia State University, and professor of Geography at the University of Amsterdam.

"Through the case studies presented in each of the chapters, The Life of North American Suburbs demonstrates the diversity and movement away from a stereotypical, post-war portrait of North American suburbs."

"This timely and fascinating book – rooted in empirics but resting upon strong theoretical bases – gathers the work of eminent urban scholars, each presenting detailed and thoughtful analyses of suburbs and suburbanisation in their respective North American cities. Collectively, the chapters formulate a new, textured approach to suburbs. These are presented as places to live, and therefore as spaces of enjoyment, contestation, politics, tension, and storytelling – a kaleidoscopic view that firmly buries stereotypes of suburban uniformity. The book is essential reading for planners, urban geographers, and urban analysts: notwithstanding recent (over)emphasis on central cities and ‘buzzing’ neighbourhoods, the vast majority of metropolitan population – and population growth – remains suburban."