A History of the Low Countries

This introductory overview of the Low Countries' history traces their development since Roman times, providing equal weighting to the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Paul Arblaster looks at political, cultural and social history, including the rise of the merchant classes, the Renaissance and Golden Age, and the two world wars of the twentieth-century. The final chapter has been expanded and revised to take into account developments since 2011. This third edition is thoroughly updated and revised throughout and benefits from our recently refreshed series design. This timely and engaging narrative provides an invaluable starting-point for students of History focusing on the Low Countries, European Studies and Dutch studies.

Paul Arblaster teaches at Zuyd University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Introduction 1. From Pagans to Crusaders 2. Patterns of Power and Piety 3. The Low Countries United and Divided 4. From Delftware to Porcelain 5. The Rise and Fall of the Liberal Order 6. World Wars and World Peace Chronology of Major Events Select List of Dynasties and Rulers Select List of Political Parties and Governments since 1918 Selected Further Reading in English.