NewcastleGateshead: Shaping the City is a lively, enlightening and beautifully designed account of the development of the twin cities separated by the dramatic sweep of the Tyne gorge. Written by former Guardian journalist Peter Hetherington, the first two chapters describe the history of Newcastle and Gateshead, from medieval beginnings up to the successful merging of the cities into 'NewcastleGateshead' at the start of the new millennium. The third chapter showcases over thirty of the most critical projects of the last twenty years, grouped by building type, including such iconic projects as the Baltic and the Sage Gateshead, as well as some celebrated small-scale projects such as the Seven Stories centre, and inspiring developments like The Staiths housing development. Stunningly illustrated with photos, plans and historical maps, this is an engaging and valuable book for anyone interested in understanding the context of the recent regeneration of NewcastleGateshead.