In a sociological study of Manhattan, the author travels through the underground economy utilized by prostitutes, madams, drug dealers, immigrants, hedge fund traders, hipster artists, and nannies.

Presents an examination of what the author calls "edge cities," urban areas that have developed around the perimeters of major cities, sometimes eclipsing them in size, and looks at some of the conflicts and complications caused by people living, shopping, and working, all in the same community.

"Alan Ehrenhalt, one of our leading urbanologists, takes us to cities across the country to reveal how the roles of America's cities and suburbs are changing places--young adults and affluent retirees moving in, while immigrants and the less affluent are moving out--and the implications for the future of our society. How will our nation be changed by the populations shifting in and out of the cities? Why are these shifts taking place? Ehrenhalt answers...