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Lost in Austin: The Evolution of an American City
Win a free print copy of this book!
10 days and 07:05:07
75 copies available
U.S. only
A long-time Austinite and journalist’s exploration of the profound movements that have shaped Austin, Texas—charting the shifts within its vibrant music scene, the impact of rapid urbanization, and the challenges of gentrification—ultimately questioning what this city’s transformation signals for American urban identity.
Austin isn’t what it used to be.
This is a common sentiment amongst locals, offered with the same confused—and often disappointed—tone familiar to residents of Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco, where rapid growth and expansion have led to an urban identity crisis. Like those cities, Austin is known for its unique a thriving live music scene and housing affordability that historically made it a compelling home for creatives and self-described weirdos to roost. But now, as Big Tech infiltrates and climate change looms, Austin has become less familiar—and far less affordable.
An exploration of the beloved city’s evolution, Lost in Austin also serves as a critical exploration of the transformation that has befallen one of America’s most beloved cities—and serves as a warning for what the homogenization of cities means for American urban identity. With a journalist’s perspective and the heart of an Austinite, Alex Hannaford delves into the consequences of the city’s rapid growth in chapters that chronicle the major movements permanently altering the a vanishing music scene, soaring property values, and the encroachment of major industry.
Through keen reportage and extensive interviews, Lost in Austin unveils the toll of unchecked growth and the city’s shift from its rebellious spirit to commercialization. Through those stories—vibrant, colorful, and clearly full of love for this city—Hannaford raises a crucial How do American cities, once celebrated for their unique values, became casualties of their own rapid growth and success? And can they ever return to what they once were?
Austin isn’t what it used to be.
This is a common sentiment amongst locals, offered with the same confused—and often disappointed—tone familiar to residents of Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco, where rapid growth and expansion have led to an urban identity crisis. Like those cities, Austin is known for its unique a thriving live music scene and housing affordability that historically made it a compelling home for creatives and self-described weirdos to roost. But now, as Big Tech infiltrates and climate change looms, Austin has become less familiar—and far less affordable.
An exploration of the beloved city’s evolution, Lost in Austin also serves as a critical exploration of the transformation that has befallen one of America’s most beloved cities—and serves as a warning for what the homogenization of cities means for American urban identity. With a journalist’s perspective and the heart of an Austinite, Alex Hannaford delves into the consequences of the city’s rapid growth in chapters that chronicle the major movements permanently altering the a vanishing music scene, soaring property values, and the encroachment of major industry.
Through keen reportage and extensive interviews, Lost in Austin unveils the toll of unchecked growth and the city’s shift from its rebellious spirit to commercialization. Through those stories—vibrant, colorful, and clearly full of love for this city—Hannaford raises a crucial How do American cities, once celebrated for their unique values, became casualties of their own rapid growth and success? And can they ever return to what they once were?
- GenresNonfictionHistory
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 9, 2024
Excellent and well written book detailing the massive changes in Austin from 1999 to the present. I could go even further back to the late seventies-the change is awful and it’s not the same city. I highly recommend. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 13, 2024
Great review for anyone who has any interest in Austin or Texas.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews