Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster (The Essential Mike Davis) - Softcover

"Graced with a bold political and environmental vision, much splendid phrasemaking and a multitude of facts ... A truly eccentric contribution." --New York Times Book Review

Counterpointing LA's central role in America's fantasy life - the city has been destroyed no less than 138 times in novels and films since 1909 - with its wanton denial of its own real history, Davis creates a revelatory kaleidoscope of American fact, imagery, and sensibility. Drawing upon a vast array of sources, Ecology of Fear meticulously captures the nation's violent malaise and desperate social unease at the end of the "American century." With savagely entertaining wit and compassionate rage, this book conducts a devastating reconnaissance of our all-too-likely urban future.