Nearly a century after it was first published in 1925, Medieval Cities remains one of the most provocative works of medieval history ever written. This book argues that it was not the invasion of the Germanic tribes that destroyed the civilization of antiquity, but rather the closing of Mediterranean trade by Arab conquest in the seventh century.
Author Biography
Henri Pirenne (1862-1935) was professor emeritus at Ghent University and one of the world's leading historians. His books include "Mohammed and Charlemagne" and "Economic and Social History of Medieval Europe". Michael McCormick is the Francis Goelet Professor of Medieval History at Harvard University.
Reviews
Praise for the previous edition: "An indispensable complement to the confusing history of the Carolingian period and early days of European civic development... In short, it is one of the best sort of contributions to historical writing--those which combine simplicity with erudition and imagination with accuracy."--New Statesman (London)
