An essential introductory survey of the towns, villages and parishes in which people lived in the medieval and early modern periods. Beat Kumin assesses the similarities, differences and the wider significance of these communities for European society prior to 1800.

Urban and rural history are currently hot topics
Incorporates a vast range of primary sources and secondary literature in English, French, German and Italian
Reviews key historiographical debates on communalism, republicanism and early modern change

Autorentext

Beat Kümin

Inhalt

List of Figures.- Editors' Preface.- Preface.- Notes on the Text.- Introduction.- PART I: CASE STUDIES.- 1. The Italian City.- 2. The Village in the Holy Roman Empire.- 3. The English Parish.- PART II: LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE.- 4. Communal Cultures.- 5. Interactions.- PART III: ASSESSMENT.- 6. Perceptions and Debates.- Conclusions.- Bibliography.- Index.