Urban Space in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Age

Classen (German studies, University of Arizona) begins this selection of essays on urban space in the Middle Ages and early Modern period with an extended essay on the transition period from Roman cities to medieval. In doing so, he revises many of the "Dark Ages" myths that assume that cities vanished entirely. This gives background for the essays that, for the most part, look at one city or societal group at a time. The concept of a city is explored and, in several cases, redefined. The practical side of town/city life is addressed in some, such as burial and drainage considerations. Others look at the interaction of craftsmen, merchants, the nobles and church authorities. Two of the articles help to establish the relationship of Jews and Christians as neighbors, showing that common interests superseded admonitions against fraternization. Several look at how urban life was depicted in literature, from that of the mystic, Julian of Norwich, to the decidedly secular Chaucer. A welcome difference in this volume is the inclusion of cities of the Muslim world. By covering a range of time and location, the book presents a picture of the many variations on the template of urban space. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Albrecht Classen, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.