In "The Forgotten Affairs of Youth," Alexander McCall Smith explores how a city's skyline reflects its identity and essence. He emphasizes that the architectural features of cities such as Oxford, Manhattan, and Edinburgh encapsulate their unique characteristics and aspirations. The dreaming spires of Oxford symbolize scholarly pursuits, while Manhattan's glittering towers represent ambition and modernity. Edinburgh's eccentric spikes convey its rich history and cultural quirks.

Through this lens, the author argues that the structures that dominate a city's skyline not only serve aesthetic purposes but also reveal deeper insights into the cultural and societal values of their inhabitants. Each city’s distinctive silhouettes tell stories of its people, dreams, and historical significance, making the skyline a vital aspect of urban identity.