"These 12 historical essays explore the roots and evolution of federal low-income housing policy. Relying on primary sources, contributors take readers from Progressive-Era housing reform to the recent flirtation with New Urbanism. Arranged chronologically, individual chapters address (among many other themes) wartime housing, postwar public housing, the rise of federal mortgage subsidies and suburbanization, racial discrimination, inner-city decline, and the move to community-based housing programs. Every chapter is well researched and well written, and the book has a coherence not often found in edited collections. An introduction frames the issues and an epilogue briefly reviews current policies. Useful chronology, bibliographic essay, and numerous illustrations. This is an impressive book; its exemplary essays provide the historical overview that researchers and policy makers need to function effectively. It would also make an outstanding classroom text."
         -- R.A. Beauregard Choice