Essential urban planning readings for a hobbyist?

Im a "regular" person and im not trying to have a career in urban planning but im really interested in learning more about urbanism. Im esp. interested in stimulating communities, cultural life of the city, redevelopment of degradated areas etc. Im based in Poland and i dont have acess to most of the U.S literature and im afraid of buying books from 60s and 70s since there can be some kind of modernist, socreal bias in those resources. My interest in urbanism came from genuine hate for how the communists organized and rebuilt polish cities after the war. Id like to maybe get involved in some actions for change in my local enviromnent.

Please list some entry level books and theories that i should look into before learning about the newer stuff (ive heard about the "new urbanism" but i want to wait with getting into it until i get the basic and classic concepts)

Thank you all and i hope my lamer status wont stop you from providing some names and titles

Wojtek