Anthropolis: A Tale of Two Cities - Softcover

Fischer, Daniel P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0865544174 ISBN 13: 9780865544178

Publisher: Mercer Univ Pr, 1992

Synopsis

A Tale of Two Cities

About this title

From the Author

It's been over 18 years since Anthropolis was first published by the Mercer University Press - even longer since the seminal ideas began percolating in the early 1970's.  Much has changed - there is widespread recognition that global warming, climate change and even peak oil are realities; what hasn't changed is inadequate resolve in addressing the challenges - by governments, businesses and individuals alike.  At least the concept of sustainability has garnered public attention, with some countries, states and cities progressing beyond mere lip service.

Saddam Hussein did not follow the course I outlined - although I'm sure he thought about it.  But the treat to the United States and the world economy remains, given dependence on critical and limited resources over which we exercise even more limited control, acerbated by the pace of economic development in China, India and other developing countries.  Tightening of oil supplies is on the horizon, with only a short-term respite provided by the recent global recession.

We have made the one technological breakthrough I anticipated - better battery technology has made electric cars and hybrids a reality.  The next breakthrough will hopefully be cheaper, higher capacity and more durable batteries that can be quick-charged and allow greater range for pure electric vehicles.  The premise remains, however, that we must reduce dependence on the private automobile for day to day mobility if we are ever to approach a sustainable society.  Anthropolis remains as relevant as ever.

I wish again to acknowledge and thank those who have share my commitment to making the world and our cities more 'humane' and sustainable - those from my city government days in Colorado, and new compatriots who have joined me as citizen activists and educators in Macon, Georgia.  I also wish to thank the numerous students and professors at Mercer University who have read and reacted to Anthropolis - their observations have been most informative, and led me to refine many of my ideas. 

I have not edited Anthropolis for its e-book release, as it has stood the test of time.  I have, however, added several notable works to the suggested reading list - just a handful of the significant contributions that have been made in the last twenty years.

About the Author

Dan Fischer was raised to understand that success in this world is measured by the contribution one makes to society and ones fellow man. When the U.S. Army Intelligence Corp stationed him in Germany in the 1960s, it changed his life: the dramatic difference between European and American cities and European respect for history struck a cord, and led to his first career in city management and urban planning. Love of mountains drew him to Colorado, with service in Manitou Springs, Federal Heights, Westminster and Broomfield. As a social philosopher, he developed his 'humane planning ethic' during his government service.

The Chevron Shale Oil Company offered the opportunity to undertake preliminary design of a new town in western Colorado that 'de-emphasized the automobile' and recognized that 'people come first' in the urban environment. Chevron's city was never built, as declining oil prices made development of shale oil infeasible. Consulting activities eventually led to relocation to Macon, Georgia, where a two year consulting contract resulted in 25 years of service to Mercer University - a relationship which continues to this day.

Dan continues his commitment to livable and sustainable cities as a citizen activist in Macon and through academic activities at Mercer, where he teaches or has taught Urban Ecology, Environmental Ethics and Social Philosophy. Anthropolis embodies his humane planning ethic and a search for sustainable cities. He is currently working on a novel entitled World of our Children: Erik's Saga, which will explore the impacts of global warming, climate change and peak oil on society.

Edition details

• Publisher: Mercer Univ Pr
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0865544174
• ISBN 13: 9780865544178
• Binding: Paperback