Here the editors have brought together in five themes a series of critical reflections on Peter's vast and diverse contributions. Those reflections are provided by colleagues familiar with his work.

The five parts are devoted to Peter Hall's breadth of academic work, covering the history of cities and planning, London, spatial planning, connectivity and mobility, and urban globalization. Finally, as a sixth part, the editors have asked Peter Hall himself to reflect on his career and the sources of his imagination.

The story this book tells is not one of a singular, totally consistent theoretical and philosophical view elaborated over several decades. Rather it covers a set of views that necessarily admits signs of Peter's inconsistency and imperfection over the years - the insights and imperfections that inevitably accompany the exercise of a nonetheless remarkably fertile, restless and inspiring planning imagination.