Review of periodical articles

M. Jenner, G. Rosser, B. Luckin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

One of the attractions of medieval urban history is the fact that major conceptual problems in the field continue to be debated. In a stimulating review article by J.H. Mundy, ’Philip Jones and the medieval Italian city-state‘, J. of European Economic History, 28 (1999), 185–200, one distinguished scholar is taxed for holding views now dismissed by some, but of which he is by no means a unique surviving representative. One of these views assumes a clear distinction between the antique city, supposedly a bureaucratic centre with limited economic functions, and the medieval city, as the home of industrious artisans and nascent capitalism. The image of the non-profit-making ancient town may be overly indebted to the nature of the literary sources and to the prevalent interests of classicists; but, although many would now agree that both the elements in the above equation need qualifying, a more focused comparison is presently lacking, and a fine book is still waiting to be written on the transition from the ancient world to the middle ages in urban history.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)110-135
Number of pages25
JournalUrban History
Volume27
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2000

Bibliographical note

© 2000 Cambridge University Press. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.

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