Leo Hollis

Leo Hollis is an author known for his works on urban history and the development of cities. He has written several books exploring the intersection of history, architecture, and urban planning.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. London Rising

    The Men Who Made Modern London

    Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving 17th-century London, this historical narrative delves into the transformative events that shaped the city into a burgeoning metropolis. The story weaves through the aftermath of the Great Fire, the rebuilding efforts led by visionary architects, and the socio-political shifts that redefined urban life. Through a tapestry of personal stories and broader historical context, the book captures the resilience and innovation of a city rising from the ashes, highlighting the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants as they navigate change and adversity.

  2. 2. Cities Are Good For You

    The Genius of the Metropolis

    Combining urban history, public-health research and vivid case studies, this book argues that dense, mixed-use cities improve life expectancy, creativity and social resilience by enabling better access to services, stronger social networks and continual cultural exchange. It challenges the idea that urban living is inherently unhealthy and shows how investment in public transport, housing and public space can amplify cities' benefits while addressing inequality. The overall plea is pragmatic: design and govern metropolitan life to maximize wellbeing, opportunity and collective resilience.

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