Reading Shanghai: A City of Complexity and Ambiguity.

The text explores the complexities of Shanghai's urban history through three monographs: "Improvised City" by Cole Roskam, "Shaping Modern Shanghai" by Isabella Jackson, and "Scythe and the City" by Christian Henriot. Roskam delves into the architecture and governance of Shanghai, Jackson focuses on colonial governance in the city, and Henriot uncovers the social history of death in Shanghai. Each book offers unique perspectives on Shanghai's development, shedding light on the city's diverse and interconnected historical narratives. These works provide valuable insights for researchers interested in urban history, colonialism, and architecture in modern China. [Extracted from the article]