From the author on the Sunday Times bestseller list, a stunning tale of humanity's greatest discovery: the city.

“Brilliant... mesmerizing” Evening Standard

“Evolutionary” New York Times

The story of the city is the story of civilization. From Uruk and Babylon to Baghdad and Venice, and from there to London, New York, Shanghai, and Lagos, Ben Wilson takes us through millennia on an exhilarating global tour of history's major urban centers.

Rich in individual characters, scenes, and snapshots of daily life, "Metropolis" is both the story of these exceptional places and the vital role they have played in making us who we are.

“Panorama... entertaining and rich in wonderful elements” Tom Holland

“An impressive success... reading this book is like visiting an exciting city for the first time” Wall Street Journal

Pages: 448, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm