"Suburban Sprawl: Private Decisions and Public Policy" explores why urban sprawl happens by looking at historical, political, economic, geographic, and urban planning factors. The authors show that blaming just highways or consumer choices overlooks the complex mix of public policies and private interests shaping our cities. They found that federal housing subsidies after World War II played a big role in sprawl. The book suggests ways to reduce sprawl and its negative effects, making it useful for policymakers and urban planners. It's also recommended for students studying urban sociology, geography, urban politics, and urban planning.