An Introduction to Geographical and Urban Economics
A Spiky World

This up-to-date third edition provides an accessible introduction to urban and geographical economics using real world examples and key models.

Steven Brakman (Author), Harry Garretsen (Author), Charles van Marrewijk (Author)

9781108407366, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 December 2019

254 pages
24.5 x 18.8 x 2.5 cm, 1.12 kg

'… this book provides the most systematic and comprehensive analysis possible in the field of urban and regional economics … The in-depth theoretical and empirical analysis offered makes the book a 'must' read for anyone who intends to teach and/or do quality research in issues of regional and urban disparities.' Ioannis Bournakis, Regional Studies

A comprehensive introduction to both urban and geographical economics: the two dominant approaches used to explain the distribution of economic activity across space. This fully revised and up-to-date third edition gives a full account of the ever-expanding body of knowledge and insights on urban and geographical economics, with an increased emphasis on analytical concepts and empirical methods, reflecting developments in the literature since the last edition. The authors provide both state-of-the-art theories and empirics, introducing new data, methods and models for this edition, including a whole chapter dedicated to measurement issues and empirical methods. Written in a style that is accessible to students who are new to the field, this textbook also includes more advanced concepts that will interest experienced researchers. Unrivalled in its scope and depth, this title is perfect for readers seeking to understand the uneven spatial distribution of economic activity between and within countries.

Part I. Empirical Foundations: 1. A spiky world: what came before … (the 2001 and 2009 editions of our book)
2. Geo-human interaction
3. Empirical methods
Part II. Urban Economics: 4. Space within cities
5. City systems
6. The empirics of agglomeration
Part III. Geographical Economics: 7. The core model
8. Extensions of the core model
9. Empirics of economic geography
Part IV. Development and Policy: 10. Geography and development
11. Policy implications.

Subject Areas: Human geography [RGC], Urban economics [KCU], International economics [KCL]