This modern history of Flanders examines such areas as the diplomacy of the first Counts of Flanders, the political power of the Flemish cities, the "world market" of Bruges, the labour struggles, the rivalry between language groups and the development of Flemish institutions of government.

Cradle of northern Europe's later urban and industrial pre-eminence, medieval Flanders was a region of immense political and economic importance -- and already, as so often later, the battleground of foreign powers. Yet this book is, remarkably, the first comprehensive modern history of the region. Within the framework of a clear political narrative, it presents a vivid portrait of medieval Flemish life that will be essential reading for the medievalist -- and a boon for the many visitors to Bruges and Ghent eager for a better understanding of what they see.