Urbanization is one of the most important phenomena in economic development. In the past three decades, Asian urban populations expanded by almost one billion, a figure expected to double in the next three decades. Clearly, both the scale and pace of urbanization in Asia is unprecedented in human history and will dominate the global urbanization landscape. Asia's urbanization, in turn, is dominated by what is happening in China and India, the two most populous, fastest growing economies in the world. Cities of Dragons and Elephants: Urbanization and Urban Development in China and India aims at addressing the two most fundamental issues of urbanization: why and where to urbanize. Contributed by a team of top experts from both countries, it uses original research to explore both the speed and scale of urbanization and urban systems or spatial distribution of urbanities in different-sized citites. It examines various drivers of urbanization alongside the benefits and costs and the role of markets, governments, and NGOs. Cities of Dragons and Elephants presents evidence-based policy suggestions regarding the labor market, the land and housing market, FDI and the capital market, education, environment, poverty, and inequality. It uses the similarities betwen India and China to draw conclusions and implications of enormous relevance to many governments and institutions in Asia and beyond.

This book demonstrates that the 'subversiveness' assumed in China's and India's rise in the life sciences reflects many of the regulatory challenges that are shared globally. It stresses a decolonial imperative for science governance to be responsive and effective in a cosmopolitan world.

In this all-new very special miniseries, the Aldens have been recruited by a secret society to return lost artifacts and treasures to their rightful locations—all around the world! The Aldens follow a clue to Beijing, China, where they uncover their next mission—to return a mysterious clay artifact to its rightful owner. Their journey leads them to a scenic section of the Great Wall, but a thief threatens to ruin their trip and endanger their precious cargo. The Aldens' next clue brings them to an elephant reserve in Thailand, but when their contact acts suspiciously, they worry someone close to them may be working for the other side. Who can the Aldens trust to help them return the remaining artifacts to their rightful owners?

This book examines the challenges of urbanization in the global south and the linkages between urbanization, economic development and urban poverty from the perspectives of cities in Asia, Africa and Latin America. It focuses on various aspects of urbanization ranging from food security and public services like sanitation, water and electricity to the finances of cities and externalities associated with the urbanization process. The volume also highlights the importance of participatory urban governance for cities in India with comparative perspectives from other countries. It further focuses on the urbanization of poverty, livelihood in urban areas, overconsumption and nutrition and ecology. Based on primary data, the chapters in the volume review trends, opportunities, challenges, governance and strategies of several countries at different levels of urbanization, with several case studies from India. This multidisciplinary volume will be of great interest to researchers and students of development studies, sociology, economics and urban planning and policy. It will also be useful for policymakers, think tanks and practitioners in the area of urbanization.

THE FIRST NOVEL IN THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ELDER RACES SERIES! Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful—and passionate—of the Elder races. As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in each other. Pia knows she must repay Dragos for her trespass, but refuses to become his slave—although she cannot deny wanting him, body and soul...

China and India are the most extraordinary economic success stories of the developing world. Both nations’ economies have grown dramatically over the past few decades, elevating them from two of the world’s poorest countries into projected economic superpowers. As a result, the numbers of Chinese and Indians living in poverty have rapidly fallen and per capita incomes in China and India have quadrupled and doubled, respectively. This book investigates the reasons for these staggering accomplishments and the lessons that can be applied both to other developing nations and to the problem of poverty that remains in these two countries. The contributors pay particular attention to agriculture and the rural economy, examining how initial conditions and investments and the prioritization and sequencing of different policies and strategies have led to successes, and how the agricultural and rural sectors connect to overall economic expansion. They also emphasize the importance of anti-poverty programs and safety nets in helping poor people escape poverty. The book offers a set of policy and strategic options for future growth and poverty reduction. These include setting the right priorities for public spending, identifying trade and market reforms, building social safety nets for the poorest of the poor, and building accountable institutions that can provide public goods and services effectively. The book concludes by examining future challenges to China and India’s economic development, such as the need to ensure growth that is sustainable, equitable, and environmentally friendly. The Dragon and the Elephant offers valuable insights to development specialists anxious to multiply the benefits experienced by two of the greatest economic successes in recent times.

The eminent China scholar delivers a landmark study of Chinese culture’s relationship to the natural environment across thousands of years of history. Spanning the three millennia for which there are written records, The Retreat of the Elephants is the first comprehensive environmental history of China. It is also a treasure trove of literary, political, aesthetic, scientific, and religious sources, which allow the reader direct access to the views and feelings of Chinese people toward their environment and their landscape. China scholar and historian Mark Elvin chronicles the spread of the Chinese style of farming that eliminated elephant habitats; the destruction of most of the forests; the impacts of war on the landscape; and the re-engineering of the countryside through gigantic water-control systems. He documents the histories of three contrasting localities within China to show how ecological dynamics defined the lives of the inhabitants. And he shows that China in the eighteenth century was probably more environmentally degraded than northwestern Europe around this time. Indispensable for its new perspective on long-term Chinese history and its explanation of the roots of China’s present-day environmental crisis, this book opens a door into the Chinese past.

In 'The Thirteenth, Greatest of Centuries' by James J. Walsh, the author delves into the intellectual and cultural achievements of the 13th century in Europe. With a scholarly tone, Walsh explores the advancements in theology, philosophy, science, and arts during this pivotal era in history. His writing style is informative and thorough, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the period. Walsh contextualizes the events and developments of the 13th century within the broader literary and historical landscape, making this book essential for anyone interested in medieval studies. From the rise of universities to the works of prominent thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, Walsh covers a wide array of topics with depth and insight. James J. Walsh, a renowned historian and author, brings his expertise in medieval history to 'The Thirteenth, Greatest of Centuries'. His background in academia and research is evident in the meticulous detail and analysis present throughout the book. Walsh's passion for the subject matter shines through in his engaging narrative, making this book a must-read for history enthusiasts and students alike. I highly recommend 'The Thirteenth, Greatest of Centuries' to anyone interested in exploring the intellectual and cultural achievements of the 13th century. Whether you are a scholar, student, or casual reader, Walsh's insightful analysis and informative writing style make this book a valuable resource for understanding the significance of this remarkable period in history.

"Silly and bright with slapstick humor…. this book's subject matter has perennial—and engaging—interest."—​School Library Journal Be careful what you wish for—​again! This follow-up to You Don't Want a Unicorn! by New York Times bestselling author Ame Dyckman and beloved illustrator Liz Climo points out the hilarious mishaps that come with adopting a dragon. Our protagonist wishes (much to the narrator's continued chagrin) for a pet dragon. Though initially thrilled, the kid quickly discovers that dragons aren't quite as awesome as they originally thought. From the scooting to the digging to the fire-breathing, our Kid is dismayed that they still haven't found their perfect pet. Little do they know, that pet might just be right around the corner . . . Don't miss some of these favorite Ame Dyckman titles: Wolfie the Bunny Horrible Bear! How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: a Safety Guide You Don't Want a Unicorn!