• Examples from cultures that integrated nature into urban planning (e.g., Babylon, Ancient Athens).
• Contemporary examples of cities including cities in Asia and Africa where nature reclaims and retakes space.
• The impacts of modern urbanization on the mental and physical health of people.
• Ecological and climate issues such as the importance of urban parks, green roofs, and ecological corridors & the need to redesign cities in light of the climate crisis.
• Examples of successful solutions, such as "green cities" and bioclimatic design.
• Emphasis on the fact that the cities of the future can (and should) be more nature-friendly.

• It changes the way we see cities — not just as concrete jungles, but as dynamic ecosystems where nature has not disappeared, but continues to exist and evolve.
• It is not just another book about environmental destruction; it is an optimistic proposal for how cities can become sustainable, vibrant, and full of life.
• It is full of examples so that readers enjoy fascinating stories from cities around the world.
• Although it has a scientific basis, its style is simple, readable, and narrative-driven, which helps even non-experts enjoy it.
• Many readers find in the book a reflection of their personal concerns about the future of cities, their children, and the planet.

Wilson creates a useful guide to the meeting of nature with the urban landscape. A sharp, calm appeal to recognize our dependence on nature and to mitigate the dire consequences of climate change.

Kirkus Reviews

Wilson flies like a hawk over cities on five continents as he leads the reader through centuries of history. Filled with unexpected facts and impressive examples.

The Washington Post

Ben Wilson is the author of six more books, including the international bestseller METROPOLIS: The history of cities, mankind's greatest discovery, the What Price Liberty?, for which he received the Somerset Maugham award, and Empire of the Deep: The Rise and Fall of the British Navy, which made it onto the Sunday Times bestseller list.