Municipal Dreams - Rambling Readers

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published May 15, 2018 by Verso.

ISBN:: 978-1-78478-739-4

(1 review)

Urgent, timely and compelling, Municipal Dreams brilliantly brings the national story of housing to life. In this landmark reappraisal of council housing, historian John Boughton presents an alternative history of Britain. Traversing the nation, he offers an architectural tour of some of the best and most remarkable of our housing estates, and in doing so offers an engrossing social history of housing in Britain. John Broughton’s account includes extraordinary planners and architects who wished to elevate working men and women through design. The politicians who shaped their work and the competing ideologies that have promoted state housing and condemned it. The economics that have always constrained our housing ideals. As well as the crisis wrought by Right to Buy, and the evolving controversies around regeneration. Boughton shows how the loss of the dream of good housing for all is a danger for the whole of society—as was seen most catastrophically …

Urgent, timely and compelling, Municipal Dreams brilliantly brings the national story of housing to life. In this landmark reappraisal of council housing, historian John Boughton presents an alternative history of Britain. Traversing the nation, he offers an architectural tour of some of the best and most remarkable of our housing estates, and in doing so offers an engrossing social history of housing in Britain. John Broughton’s account includes extraordinary planners and architects who wished to elevate working men and women through design. The politicians who shaped their work and the competing ideologies that have promoted state housing and condemned it. The economics that have always constrained our housing ideals. As well as the crisis wrought by Right to Buy, and the evolving controversies around regeneration. Boughton shows how the loss of the dream of good housing for all is a danger for the whole of society—as was seen most catastrophically in the fire at Grenfell Tower.

3 editions

Louis Allaway reviewed Municipal Dreams by John Boughton

Review of Municipal Dreams

4 stars

Very good and interesting history of council housing in the UK, how it has changed over the year and declined throughout the late 70s to the modern era.

I especially found the discussions surrounding New Labour’s and 70s Labours actions on the matter interesting, so much discourse focuses on right to buy rather than other policy objectives in relation to council housing.

Other reviewers are correct in suggesting it’s a bit of a slow and dense read, lots of specific examples given and it is written (from an obviously pro council housing perspective) in a largely analytical way making it in some areas a not particularly enjoyable read, however if you enjoy the subject matter it is a good summary of the history and policy surrounding the matter.

I would’ve liked to hear more of the authors thoughts on what needs to be done in a conclusion chapter, but honestly …

Very good and interesting history of council housing in the UK, how it has changed over the year and declined throughout the late 70s to the modern era.

I especially found the discussions surrounding New Labour’s and 70s Labours actions on the matter interesting, so much discourse focuses on right to buy rather than other policy objectives in relation to council housing.

Other reviewers are correct in suggesting it’s a bit of a slow and dense read, lots of specific examples given and it is written (from an obviously pro council housing perspective) in a largely analytical way making it in some areas a not particularly enjoyable read, however if you enjoy the subject matter it is a good summary of the history and policy surrounding the matter.

I would’ve liked to hear more of the authors thoughts on what needs to be done in a conclusion chapter, but honestly it’s a non issue and a merely personal wish.