Mike Davis, a kind of tectonic-plate thinker whose books transformed how people, in Los Angeles in particular, understood their world, died on October 25 at his home in San Diego at the age of 76.

Writer, historian and activist Mike Davis has died at the age of 76. He authored a number of books, including “Planet of Slums,” “Ecology of Fear” and “City of Quartz,” a searing look ...

Mike Davis, author of the book “The Ecology of Fear” is seen at his home in Pasadena. The best-selling author of “City of Quartz” has died. He was 76.