Chant (development geography, London School of Economics and Political Science) and McIlwaine (human geography, U. of London) offer a textbook for undergraduate students and advanced A-level candidates taking a first course in the geography of places targeted for economic development. They cover the usual topics taught in such a course, but also draw heavily on their personal experience doing fieldwork in an impoverished barrio in Costa Rica. Among their discussions are changing theoretical perspectives on development and newly emerging issues, urbanization and shelter, making a living in cities, gender and development, families and households in transition, health inequalities and health care, and the development community from multi-lateral agencies to community-based organizations. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)