The Story of Utopias · Chapter
Acknowledgments explained
Lewis Mumford acknowledges the ten-year development of his book, crediting Mr.
What happens
Lewis Mumford acknowledges the ten-year development of his book, crediting Mr. Van Wyck Brooks for the suggestion to begin composition, Professor Patrick Geddes for shaping his ideas, and various friends and editors for their advice and permissions.
Characters to notice
- Patrick Geddes
Mumford acknowledges the profound influence of Professor Patrick Geddes on his general background of ideas, through books and correspondence.
Key passages
“The first outline of this book dates back ten years; and since then I have woven it and rewoven it in my mind.”
Mumford first sketched the book a decade ago and has repeatedly refined its ideas since.
Highlights the long gestation period of the work.
“The general background of ideas has been heavily colored by my contacts with Professor Patrick Geddes, through his books and by correspondence; and I owe a debt to him I have not always been able to acknowledge in direct reference or in quotation marks.”
Professor Patrick Geddes deeply influenced Mumford's thinking, though not always directly referenced.
Mumford credits Geddes for shaping his intellectual framework, even where not explicitly cited.