Bookmark 02/2023

Urban Stories
Cities are complicated, often made up of winding
roads, messy and full of contradictions, but they’re an
endless source of inspiration for authors.
Text by Christine Modafferi
Whether you love the city or loathe it, it’s bound to sweep you off your feet and welcome you.
In the city, there are opportunities galore, and you can become whoever you wish to be. You
can meet like-minded people. You’re surrounded by novelty, from new technology to new ideas
being formed. You can struggle immensely and feel terribly lonely, but you’re never alone. And
you can be different by being yourself, while always fitting in. Here are just some of our favourite
literary interpretations of the cities around the world, from classics to new releases.
1 Happy City by Charles Montgomery
Before we jump into fictional stories about the big city life, let’s take a look at some of the
non-fiction literature that has shaped our thinking around cities and that maps how they’ve
impacted our individual lives as well as civilisation as a whole.
In Happy City, published over ten years ago, the award-winning journalist Charles Montgomery
challenges the way we view cities by mixing urban design analysis with scientific studies on
happiness. What emerges is an inspiring study of architecture that debunks the belief that
cities are the epicentre of the proverbial rat race and rather views them as a project towards
happiness, referring back to the ancient Athenians, who brought democracy to life through the
city. Montgomery studies many man-made creations in cities, from Copenhagen to Bogotá to
Vancouver, suggesting that experiencing them is a form of mindfulness, self-care and living life
more fully – a complete shift from the sadness of the suburbs, where we must rely heavily on
our cars to get anywhere, from work to meetings with friends.
2 Imagine a City by Mark Vanhoenacker
Continuing in the vein of Montgomery’s celebration of the city, airline pilot and author of Skyfaring
Mark Vanhoenacker writes about the places he’s travelled to and loved. Coming from the
small New England town of Pittsfield, Vanhoenacker grew up dreaming of big cities. Today, as a
pilot, he stops somewhere new each day, and Imagine a City is his love letter to the metropolises
of the world he’s visited over the course of twenty years. Partly working as a travelogue and
partly as a personal memoir, Vanhoenacker reflects on the great cities of our planet, from LA
and Kuwait City to Jeddah and Sapporo. But if there’s one thing travel inspires, it’s the anticipation
to get back to your hometown with a renewed appreciation for the familiar, and this book
also includes nostalgic passages about home that will tug at your heartstrings.
3 Ten Cities that Led the World by Paul Strathern
Similarly to Imagine a City, Ten Cities that Led the World walks readers through metropolises of
our globe from a historical viewpoint. Yes, this is the book you’ll want to read if you’re a history
nerd! Journeying through ten cities from ancient history through to modern day, Paul Strathern
offers a complex analysis of how cities have defined eras, formed new ideas, brought revolution,
and made history. Learn how the human mind discovered mathematics in Babylonia, enjoy
the first theatrical spectacles in ancient Athens, and marvel at the ancient Roman construction
work that lasts to this day. Form new and enlightened ideas in Paris, build the first skyscrapers
in New York, and discover how economy is progressing in Beijing. Each city that’s shaped our
world is distinct, but they are also all interconnected, creating world history, together.
4 In Search of Berlin by John Kampfner
While many of the books mentioned so far give readers a broad overview and analysis of cities
and their history, In Search of Berlin by John Kampfner will appeal to those who love minutiae
and want more of a deep dive when tucking into a good book. Berlin is one of the most fascinat-
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ing cities in the world. Located at the heart
of Europe, it’s a place full of contradictions,
constantly reinventing itself while also
looking back at its turbulent past. In this
book, Kampfner looks back at 800 years of
history, studying archives, interviewing
historians, architects and archaeologists,
scrutinising every inch of the city. The
book took four years to write, and its level
of detail is unparalleled, as the author
shares his journeys across the city and finds
its hidden gems and stories, from the fallen
statue of Lenin to cabaret stars thrown out
of the city. Whether you’re planning a trip
to Berlin, live in the city, or simply want to
learn more about its history, this fascinating
read will not disappoint.
5 A Book of Days by Patti Smith
Cities are not just made up of urban plans,
revolutionary ideas and important events.
Sometimes, cities represent our very own
memories and Proustian feelings. Patti
Smith has, quite truly, dedicated her life to
making memories. In A Book of Days, the
musician and bestselling author’s love for
photography and words marry in a beautiful
collection of 365 photographs. Each
photograph and caption works as documentation
of the passions and thoughts of the
artist’s life, and throughout the book she
honours the work of fellow artists she ad-
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Happy City
Discover how cities make people happy –
and why life in suburbia is not quite as fulfilling.
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Charles Montgomery, Penguin,
CHF 19.90
Imagine a City
The true definition of having your feet
on the ground and your head in the sky. See the
biggest cities through the eyes of a pilot.
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Mark Vanhoenacker, Chatto & Windus
CHF 29.90
Ten Cities that Led the World
History buffs, this one’s for you! Uncover
the cities that have made history, from Babylonia
to Beijing.
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Paul Strathern, Hodder & Stoughton,
CHF 19.90
In Search of Berlin
Zoom in on the history of one city – discover
the many complexities of Berlin, as well as the
beauty it has to offer today.
John Kampfner, Atlantic,
CHF 28.90
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