English and French Towns in Feudal Society
A Comparative Study

This is a comparative study of the role of English and French towns in feudal society in the middle ages.

Rodney Howard Hilton (Author)

9780521484565, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 4 May 1995

188 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.1 cm, 0.25 kg

'This synthesis, presented with talent by R. H. Hilton, must take a very honourable place among the few comparative studies of medieval urban history.' Cahiers de Civilisation Médiévale

This is a comparative study of the role of English and French towns in feudal society in the middle ages. In bringing together much material which dissolves old categories and simplifications in the study of medieval towns, Professor Hilton provides an important new perspective on medieval society and on the nature of feudalism. He argues that medieval towns were not, as is often thought, the harbingers of capitalism, and emphasises the way in which urban social structures fitted into, rather than challenged, feudalism.

Preface
Introduction
1. The town and feudalism: preliminary definitions
2. The feudal presence in towns
3. Urban social structures
4. Urban rulers
5. How urban society was imagined
6. Urban communities and conflict
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], European history [HBJD]