'This book breaks new ground in the exploration of the modern metropolis. For far too long we have been preoccupied with the visual modes of communication in urban settings. This excellently researched, well articulated and stimulating study examines the transformation of communication in this period. Specifically, Stewart chooses to focus upon the neglected study of the spoken word, public speaking and dialogue with urban publics in diverse urban spatial contexts. In a richly textured series of chapters, she explores the varied settings for dialogues on the city by architects, sites such as exhibitions, the street, the coffee house and the salon.' - David Frisby, Professor in Sociology and Cities Programme, London School of Economics, UK

JANET STEWART directs the Visual Culture Masters Programme at the University of Aberdeen, UK, where she also teaches Comparative Literature and German, and contributes to the Centre for Modern Thought. She is the author of the acclaimed monograph Fashioning Vienna: Adolf Loos's Cultural Criticism.