Colleagues and friends of Dr Allen G. Noble have long been amazed by how much he could write while being deeply involved in several different activities at the same time. A prolific writer in diverse fields, a leading scholar in settlement landscapes, cultural geography and South Asia, a superb department head, a highly respected leader in campus affairs and an active member in several professional organizations, Allen's multiple talents are truly remarkable. During the time when he was at the helm, the Department of Geography at the University of Akron grew into a leading centre for the study of Asian geography, especially Asian urbanization. His prolific writings, insistence on research, exemplary work ethic and superb administrative skills also gave rise to a very healthy academic environment for faculty to pursue their own research interests.

Apart from the fact that he has been widely recognized as one of the leading scholars in settlement landscapes in North America, Noble has also made major contributions to such diverse areas of scholarship as the geography of South Asia, especially India, urban planning, sustainable development, noise pollution, tourism, and urban development in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Poland, Italy, Israel, Saudi Arabia and many towns in the Arab world. I am yet to meet another scholar who has published so much in so many different areas of study. Contributors to this volume have discussed many of his achievements.