Charleston and Savannah: The Rise, Fall, and Reinvention of Two Rival Cities.

The article reviews a book that explores the historical development of Charleston and Savannah over three centuries, focusing on their rise, decline, and eventual reinvention as modern cities. The author, drawing on his experience in urban planning, examines the original town plans by John Locke for Charleston and James Oglethorpe for Savannah, highlighting how these designs influenced urban development and social structures, particularly regarding slavery and social justice. The review notes the cities' transformations in the late twentieth century, with Charleston embracing civil rights and preservation efforts, while Savannah capitalized on its historical grid layout. Despite some organizational challenges and idealized interpretations, the work is deemed significant for understanding the cultural and economic narratives of these two cities. [Extracted from the article]