The Moral Basis of a Backward Society (Edward C. Banfield)

In 'The Unheavenly City', Edward C. Banfield presents a provocative examination of urban problems, arguing that many issues are not solvable through policy alone. He emphasizes the role of culture and individual behavior in shaping urban outcomes, challenging conventional solutions like urban renewal and mass transit. The book remains a contentious yet insightful work on urban policy.

In 'Against the Grain', James C. Scott argues that the early agrarian states were not the result of a voluntary transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles, but rather were formed through coercion and violence. He challenges the conventional narrative that agriculture led to settled communities, civilization, and improved living standards. Instead, Scott posits that these early states were often hierarchical, plagued by malnutrition and disease, and reliant on slavery. The book explores the domestication of fire, plants, and animals, and how these processes led to the control of populations and the emergence of states. It also discusses the tensions between states and non-state peoples, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of nomadic and hunter-gatherer communities.