This textbook offers an accessible overview of a century of planning theory, bringing a critical perspective rooted in contemporary research that will appeal to lecturers and to their students. Organised thematically, with a focus on institutional and justice issues, this book offers a well-grounded alternative to existing traditional overviews of planning theories by situating planning as a governance and regulatory practice. An essential text for researchers and students, it also offers an innovative framework for addressing current and future issues in urban and regional planning.