A new book on The Three Rules of Urban Design

Several days ago I surprised myself. I mentioned in passing to a friend that I was just about to order a new printing of City Comforts because the first printing (of the second edition) was sold out. The friend asked if I would ever write another book. For the past few years my stock answer to that question has always been — and it's a common question — "No. I am a one-book pony. I've said what I have to say in City Comforts."

So when I answered my friend with "Yes. I think I will take the 'Three Rules' chapter from City Comforts and expand it into a book of its own," I was far more surprised than she was.

But that is what I am planning to do. Expand and examine the 'Three Rules' in greater, even mind-numbingly greater, detail. And I ask for your help.

I would very much appreciate hearing every possible critique of the 'Three Rules.' Click here to download the chapter. Praise it if you like. But I am even more interested in hearing the reasons why I am full of it, why the 'Three Rules' is naive, incomplete, simple-minded and overall just plain wrong and/or misleading. Let me have it. Bring it on, in the words of our bumbling leader. Tell me in as much detail as you are able why I should drop this project immediately and not embarrass myself any further by my clueless rantings.

Truly excellent criticisms (in my sole judgment) will receive a copy of the new book. Criticisms so superb that they persuade me to change my mind and drop the project entirely will receive my undying gratitude and dinner at any restaurant you like (in Seattle) or elsewhere as our respective schedules might allow.

But amidst the levity I am in earnest and would appreciate hearing any criticisms, questions or any other help & hint.

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Btw, If you prefer to phrase your comment as a question, that's even better.

Also, I don't make the offer of dinner for persuading me to change my mind as a joke. Writing/photographing a new book will be a great deal of effort, even financial expenditure, over many months, maybe even a year or so. The world certainly doesn't need more books. And there is minimal payback in either money or love. So someone would be doing me a great favor by showing me the error of my ways.