This collection of essays covers relations between town and country, regional economic systems, and historical regional studies in late medieval and early modern Germany, in particular how these bear upon social and religious change in the age of the Reformation. Starting from case-studies of South-West Germany, Switzerland and Alsace, the essays broaden out to consider the formation of economic landscapes, the development of urban territories, and the survival of forms of serfdom throughout Germany as a whole. While issues of economic and social structure take pride of place, they are accompanied by analysis of regional mentalities and cultural identities as well. With an Introduction by Tom Brady. ‘ This book offers superb regional histories exploring the often complex relationships between towns and their rural surroundings, as well as the role of the territories in the region. Together they demonstrate many factors that shaped interactions between burghers and peasants. In addition, they show the benefits that regional studies can offer scholars of the period. The author indeed achieves one of his stated goals for this collection: to offer a framework (or methodology) for understanding regional histories by providing opportunities to compare and contrast local experiences. (…) Overall there is rnuch to be gained by reading this collection; Scott provides a compelling critique of Blickle's Communal Reformation thesis and, perhaps more importantly, the essays use excellent local histories to compare and contrast experiences, encouraging readers to reevaluate their understanding of this region in the late medieval and early modern periods. ’ Michael S. Springer, Institute for European History, Mainz, Sixteenth Century Journal Tom Scott Ph.D. (Cambridge) is Honorary Professor of History at the Institute of Reformation Studies in the University of St. Andrews. Used Book in Good Condition