The book explores how New Urbanism is attempting to reconcile four competing ideas about urbanism that have been evolving in America for over a century. In doing so, it seeks to promote qualities that urban reformers have always sought: vital, beautiful, just, environmentally benign human settlements. The book notes that this is an incomplete project, but one that should be recognized for its substantial accomplishments. To be valid, critiques of New Urbanism must start by recognizing its actual aspirations and accomplishments.