Mumford

Mumford, Lewis (19 October 1895 - 26 January 1990) was an American urban planner, historian and outspoken architectural ctritic. He studied how technology cities and urbanization affected human societies throughout history.

Mumford studied in New York at the New York School for Social Research. He was influenced by writings by Patrick Geddes. In 1919 Mumford became associate editor of the Dial and wrote architectural criticisms, as well as commentating on urban issues.

His early writings established him as an authority in US architecture and urban life, which he interpreted in a social context. His books include: Sticks and Stones (1924), The Golden Day (1926), The Brown Decades: A Study of the Arts in America, 1865–1895 (1931). He is also the author of a series of books called Renewal of Life. The books are: Technics and Civilization (1934), The Culture of Cities (1938), The Condition of Man (1944) and The Conduct of Life (1951). The City in History (1961) is often considered as Mumford's key work. His later works include The Myth of the Machine (1967 - 1970, 2 volumes) and My Work and Days: A Personal Chronicle (1979).

Mumford was involved in numerous research positions and received the US Medal of Freedom in 1964. In 1943 Mumford was decorated Knight of the Order of the British Empire.