Macmillan Essential Histories / A History of the Low Countries

Preface to the Second Edition.- Preface to the First Edition.- Maps.- Introduction.- From Pagans to Crusaders, 57BC to AD1100.- Patterns of Power and Piety, 1100-1384.- The Low Countries United and Divided, 1384-1609.- From Delftware to Porcelain, 1609-1780.- The Rise and Fall of the Liberal Order, 1776-1914.- World Wars and World Peace, 1914-2011.- Chronology of Major Events.- List of Dynasties and Rulers.- List of Political Parties and Governments since 1918.- Selected Further Reading.- Index.

PAUL ARBLASTER teaches at Zuyd University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. He previously taught at the Centre for European Studies at the University of Leuven, and at Facultes Universitaires Notre Dame de la Paix, Namur, Belgium.

Praise for the first edition: 'An excellent book. It is fluently written and covers not only political, social and economic developments but touches on the most important cultural aspects as well.' - Ulrich Tiedau, University College London, UK 'Arblaster's writing is fluent and enjoyable ... For the available space and the ambitious scale, Arblaster has pulled off a hat-trick. My sole regret is that, given the sharpness of his observatory powers, he did not write more . . . This will be a valuable addition to reading lists for students and worthy of recommendation to those general readers who wish to learn more about the rich heritage of the Low Countries and its impact on modern Benelux' -Peter Illing, Christ's College, Cambridge UniversityPraise for the second edition: 'Arblaster does excellent work in weaving together a single history of a number of modern states, namely the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Despite their complex relationship, historically they have been one region politically, economically, and religiously. This history is careful to include pertinent facts and covers a variety of groups and individuals who have responded to challenges of diversity, change, and identity.' - John Roney, Sacred Heart University, USA.