"Rarely does so ambitious an intellectual project succeed so dramatically or engage the reader so thoroughly. Nelson shows that the private neighborhood is an institution with the potential to transform governance, and even society, from the bottom up. Even readers who do not share his provocative views will find this work a treasure trove of ideas. This is a lasting contribution that will frame the debate about private neighborhoods for years to come."
—Evan McKenzie, University of Illinois at Chicago, author of Privatopia: Homeowner Associations and the Rise of Residential Private Government
"Private Neighborhoods is a comprehensive treatise of common interest communities-past, present, and future. It is a visionary, trail-blazing view of what is happening to housing in the United States-a must read for everyone involved in housing."
—Lincoln C. Cummings, former commissioner of planning in Arlington County, Virginia, president of Cummings & Associates, Inc.
"Bob Nelson is one of the nation's most insightful and provocative authors on local government today. His latest book offers a fresh perspective-its scholarship is wide-ranging, the prose is clear and accessible, and the ideas deserve a fair hearing by all sides of the political spectrum."
—William A. Fischel, professor of economics and Hale Professor in Arts and Sciences, Dartmouth College
"Private Neighborhoods is the finest and most exhaustive discussion yet on one of the most profound institutional innovations in recent years."
—Peter Gordon, professor of real estate economics and public policy, University of Southern California
"This book not only gives an excellent discussion of the economic reasons for private neighborhoods but adds a good discussion of the internal political problems that may arise."
—Gordon Tullock, professor of law and economics, George Mason University
"Robert Nelson has written two powerful books in one. The first documents the amazing revolution in neighborhood governance that has gone almost unnoticed over the past 40 years. The second is a bold proposal for extending this revolution to inner cities and suburban fringes, where it could do even more good."
—Robert W. Poole, Jr., founder, Reason Foundation
"Whether or not one agrees with Nelson's proposals, the book's fresh look at private neighborhoods and its much-needed call for experimentation make it essential reading for those interested in land use policy and the future of neighborhoods."
—Lee Anne Fennell, associate professor of law, University of Illinois College of Law
