This book brings new scholarship to students on the origins and development of planning thoughts, theories, policies, institutions and practices, outlining how these have shaped planning as a state and professional activity.It showcases the work of leading scholars working to develop new histories of planning, giving particular attention to the impact of colonisation and its approach to race, which has significantly impacted planning processes, as well as to the importance of women and people of colour as significant actors in the development of planning policy and practices.The chapters bring a much-needed global and comparative perspective, including views from the ‘Global South’ and from countries where planning remains an under-resourced and under-recognised profession.This is an essential resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in planning, architecture and urban studies.