Kingdoms and Communities in Western Europe 900-1300 [Paperback]

This wide-ranging and perceptive book focuses on the collective values and activities of lay society over several centuries, from trade guilds and manor courts to the development of parliaments and the rule of feudal monarchs. It offers a new approach to the history of medieval Europe. The second edition of this important study incorporates a substantial new introduction, which amplifies the arguments of the original edition and takes account of recent research.

Introduction to Second Edition
The Historiography of Medieval Community
Lay Ideas about Collectivity
Theory and Practice
List of Works Cited
Introduction
1. Collective Activity in Traditional Law 900-1300
2. Legal Change 1140-1300
3. Fraternities and Guilds
4. The Community of the Parish
5. Villages and Rural Neighbourhoods
6. Urban Communities
7. Provinces and Lordships
8. The Community of the Realm
9. Lay Collective Activity 900-1300: A General View
List of Works Cited
Index

Praise for the first edition: This is a challenging book which all historians of medieval Europe and social theorists will have to come to terms with...all students of the Middle Ages and of collective organization will be indebted to Reynolds for this rich and original book. --Times LiterarySupplement