Jane Jacobs

Jane Jacobs died today. I listened tonight to John Sewell's eloquent tribute to her wisdom on As It Happens during which he recommended to all who had not done so, that they read The Death and Life of Great American Cities. For some reason it reminded me of the time I heard movie critic Roger Ebert say that he envied those who had never seen some of the great classic films such as Casablanca, Singin in the Rain and Citizen Kane, thinking of the pleasure awaiting them on their first viewing. I think that comment applies equally to those who have not read Jane Jacobs' classic book about cities. I remember seeing her at the launch of David Miller's campaign for Mayor of Toronto in 2003 and feeling a thrill at just being in her presence.