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Review from: Choice, June 1992
This book contains statistical
information on 331 cities in the US, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands. Selection of cities was premised upon a minimum population of
75,000, although to achieve geographic balance a minimum of two cities
plus the capital is included for every state. Material is arranged
alphabetically by state and city. Each city is introduced by a descriptive
paragraph, followed by data classified under 17 major topics covering 163
demographic variables. The book is similar in format to 199 American
Cities Compared, ed. by A.N. Garwood (1984). Data are mainly drawn
from the US Census Bureau's County and City Data Book (1949- ),
other governmental publications, and private resources. The statistical
information presented includes such sought-after facts as housing costs,
along with superfluous details such as taxi fares and hotel costs. Airport
figures may be confusing for cities serviced by regional airports. Greater
reference value could be incurred by expanding statistics on women in the
governing body to include minorities also. Libraries that do not own the
County and City Data Book, the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports
(1930- ), or the quarterly Cost of Living Index (from the American
Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association) may want to purchase, as
would those who want to update 199 American Cities Compared.
Reviewed by M. A. Lutes, University of Notre Dame |
