Ebenezer's masterpiece republished

It may have only been a book, but its contents were largely responsible for changing the face of town planning in this country and in many other parts of the world!

Ebenezer Howard's legendary literary work; "Tomorrow a Peaceful Path to Real Reform,' - an integral ingredient of the world's first Garden City pioneering success - has been re-published for the first time since the original author and Garden City founder first published the book in October 1898.

The re-publication, the brainchild of the Town & Country Planning Association, was launched at the new 'Museum in Docklands' London, on July 16 by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation Director General Stuart Kenny, who opened his speech by stating: "the importance of the original publication is hard to overstate." He also hoped that the publication of the facsimile edition of 'Tomorrow' marked not only the Centenary of the Garden City, but a period of sustained reappraisal of how new communities could best be created.

The new edition presents a facsimile of the original, together with a 'commentary' penned by three of the UK's leading planning experts - Sir Peter Hall, Colin Ward and Dennis Hardy. TCPA Chairman David Lock wrote its preface.

There followed a wide-ranging debate on the current UK planning scene and the need for sustainable development. Peter Hetherington, The Guardian's Regional Affairs Editor, chaired the event.

During the debate, Sir Peter Hall and Mr Kenny emphasised the strength of the Garden City 'model' more than 100 years on. However, Mr Kenny stressed the need to continually review the 'model' in order to ensure its relevance to present day needs and ambitions.

Re-publication of the book was made possible due to the generous sponsorship of the Heritage Foundation and the Lady Margaret Paterson Osborn Trust. The new edition will be available for purchase in the near future at Letchworth Garden City's Tourist Information Centre in Station Road, and bookshops.