'This is a sophisticated overview of urbanity in the southern Low Countries from the central Middle Ages into the early modern period, a time of extraordinary economic, political, and cultural achievements. Written by experts and supported by up-to-date bibliographies, the chapters explain the creativity of these cities and describe their legacy in Europe thereafter.' Martha Howell, Columbia University, New York
'This is a multi-faceted, longue duree account of the rise of the urban system of the Low Countries up to the Dutch Revolt which demonstrates how distinctive it was in European terms - decentralized, dominated not by urban elites but by middle-rank groups and institutions. Written by an all-star team of Belgian scholars, drawing on massive recent research, this book will be essential reading for urban historians and medievalists.' Peter Clark, University of Helsinki
'The Low Countries developed the most dynamic urban network in medieval northern Europe. This comprehensive and lively volume, itself the product of collaborative research undertaken at universities in the Low Countries, provides a fine introduction to this age of achievement and conflict in economic, social, political, intellectual, artistic and religious affairs.' Derek Keene, Institute for Historical Research, University of London
'These essays show how Europe's most densely populated region developed its most dynamically networked urban societies. Leading experts present the urban spaces of the Low Countries as living and lived in, emphasizing social groups, material culture, and the complex unfolding of vibrant languages of rituals, spaces, and senses over time.' Nicholas Terpstra, University of Toronto
'City and Society in the Low Countries, 1100-1600 is the product of planning, knowledge and cooperation, just like the urban communities it so effectively explores. It offers an integrated historical analysis of urban life in its many forms, from migration to town planning, social relations to religious lives. In a region where transport was easy, and the drive towards dynamic innovation strong, the foundations for northwest Europe's hegemony - in the Golden Age, but also in contemporary European life - were laid.' Miri Rubin, Queen Mary University London
'This excellent book combines results from the latest research into a convincing picture of the urban societies in the Low Countries, at a time when these were the northern counterpart of Renaissance Italy. A must-read survey for everyone interested in medieval and early modern European history.' Maarten Prak, Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands
'... this book's impressive synthesis and interpretation of the region's medieval cities makes its publication in English of high value to all students of the premodern period.' Peter Arnade, Renaissance Quarterly
