EUROPEAN CITIES & TOWNS P: 400-2000

[A] scholarly yet very readable work (PD Smith, The Guardian)

A first-rate study that is clearly written and well aware of the strengths and problems of the urban experience. (Jeremy Black, History)

An exceptional book. Clark's narrative is refreshingly divorced from the common 'Atlantic-centric' perspective, his subject knowledge awe-inspiring, and his prose clear and engaging. It is also a book suitable for all; from the scholar wishing for a good topic overview to anyone with a casual interest wanting to know more. (Fiona Williamson, European History Quarterly)

A fine synthesis - a tour de force - that embodies a hugely impressive range of knowledge and understanding about towns, and deserves to have the widest readership (Professor Peter Borsay, University of Aberystwyth)

an important book and it should be read and inwardly digested by archaeologists as well as historians. It is a thoroughly good read (Mike McCarthy, Medieval Archaeology)

Written by a leading specialist on early modern towns in Britain ... this volume will further enhance its author's already considerable reputation as one of our premier guides through the urban past ... [an] excellent book. (Andrew Lees, English Historical Review)

Since the Middle Ages Europe has been one of the most urbanized continents on the planet and Europe's cities have firmly stamped their imprint on the continent's economic, social, political, and cultural life. This study of European cities and towns from the fall of the Roman Empire to the present day looks both at regional trends from across Europe and also at the widely differing fortunes of individual communities on the roller coaster of European urbanization. Taking a wide-angled view of the continent that embraces northern and eastern Europe as well as the city systems of the Mediterranean and western Europe, it addresses important debates ranging from the nature of urban survival in the post-Roman era to the position of the European city in a globalizing world. The book is divided into three parts, dealing with the middle ages, the early modern period, and the nineteenth and twentieth centuries - with each part containing chapters on urban trends, the urban economy, social developments, cultural life and landscape, and governance. Throughout, the book addresses key questions such as the role of migration, including that of women and ethnic minorities; the functioning of competition and emulation between cities, as well as issues of inter-urban cooperation; the different ways civic leaders have sought to promote urban identity and visibility; the significance of urban autonomy in enabling cities to protect their interests against the state; and not least why European cities and towns over the period have been such pressure cookers for new ideas and creativity, whether economic, political, or cultural.