Henri Pirenne Books

The book presents Henri Pirenne's influential theories on European history, particularly the Pirenne Thesis, which explores the origins of the Middle Ages through state formation and trade shifts. It also examines Belgium's medieval history and the evolution of medieval cities. Pirenne posited that significant social, economic, cultural, and religious changes stemmed from deeper causes, shaping the perspectives of later historians, including those of the French "Annales" School. Despite facing opposition, his ideas remain foundational in medieval studies.

The book explores the profound suffering endured by the Belgian people during the German occupation from 1914 to the end of World War I, highlighting the impact this had on international perceptions, particularly among Americans, British, Canadians, and Australians. It aims to revive the memory of their plight, which has faded over time, and emphasizes the significance of their experiences in the broader context of the war.

The book highlights the scarcity and rising costs of early literature from the 1900s and earlier. It emphasizes the effort to republish these classic works in affordable, high-quality modern editions, preserving the original text and artwork. This initiative aims to make timeless literature accessible to a new generation of readers while honoring its historical significance.

Remarkable classic that developed the revolutionary theory of how the advance and influence of Islam caused the Europe of the Roman Empire to evolve into the Europe of the Middle Ages. "An important...seminal book, worthy to close one of the most distinguished careers in European scholarship." — Saturday Review of Literature.

Aunque el transcurso de los años haya modificado parcialmente algunas de sus conclusiones, las investigaciones de Henri Pirenne (1862-1935) sobre la Edad Media europea continúan siendo punto de referencia indispensable para los historiadores actuales. Pirenne demuestra en Las Ciudades de la Edad Media que fue la expansión musulmana -que cerró el Mediterráneo al tráfico durante el siglo viii-, y no las invasiones germánicas, lo que dislocó la unidad económica creada por el imperio romano, dando origen al periodo de decadencia mercantil que tan graves consecuencias tendría para la vida urbana. Después de tocar fondo a finales del siglo ix, las rutas comerciales fueron revitalizándose con nuevas corrientes de civilización que se condensaron en los núcleos urbanos supervivientes, marcando este renacimiento el comienzo de una nueva era: frente al clero y la nobleza, la burguesía inicia su ascenso, que culminará en la época contemporánea.

Beginning with the invasions that marked the decline of the Roman Empire, this influential history covers Europe from the fifth century to the Renaissance and Reformation in the sixteenth century. Henri Pirenne's detailed and impartial narrative offers a comprehensive overview of the Middle Ages, making it an essential read for both students and general readers interested in this transformative period in European history. Its reissue is a timely addition for those seeking a definitive exploration of medieval Europe.

The book explores the decline and revival of Europe during the Middle Ages, challenging the notion that Germanic invasions were solely responsible for the Dark Ages. Henri Pirenne analyzes the impact of Muslim invasions and the disruption of Mediterranean trade on ancient cities. He highlights how the resurgence of trade in the 10th and 12th centuries fostered the emergence of new urban centers and the rise of the middle class, ultimately shaping modern economic systems and culture. This work is essential for understanding medieval history.

The book presents a comprehensive examination of capitalism's evolution through various social stages, highlighting its significance in human history. Alpha Editions has undertaken the effort to preserve this classic work by republishing it in a modern format, ensuring clarity and readability. The text has been reformatted and retyped, avoiding scanned copies, which enhances the reading experience for contemporary audiences. This edition aims to keep the insights of the original work accessible for both present and future generations.