Pre-modern Towns at the Times of Catastrophes: East Central Europe in a Comparative Perspective

This book explores the impact of natural and human-inflicted disasters on pre-modern towns in Central Europe,covering areas such as Ukraine, Poland, Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, and Slovakia. It highlights the destructive effects of disasters like fires, floods, earthquakes, and epidemics on cities and their populations, as well as the long-term consequences of war conflicts. Through case studies of renewal and resilience, it demonstrates how disasters can bring positive changes for urban people. The collection incorporates interdisciplinary approaches and is a valuable resource for students and researchers in pre-modern history, social history, and disaster studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the impact of both natural and human-inflicted disasters on pre-modern towns spanning across regions in present-day Ukraine, Poland, Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, and Slovakia. It explores the profound effects of various catastrophes, ranging from catastrophic natural events like fires, floods, earthquakes, and epidemics, which resulted in significant population losses. Moreover, it sheds light on human-caused disasters, such as protracted war conflicts, which posed equal, if not greater, threats to cities, their inhabitants, and the urban economy. These crises not only affected the general population but also had a profound impact on the lives of townsmen and women, altering their daily routines and experiences. Through detailed case studies of renewal and resilience, the book showcases how successfully overcoming disaster can bring about positive changes for urban communities.

The collection is grounded in the contemporary historiographical discourse on studying social and cultural relations in urban environments during the Middle Ages and early modern period. It employs interdisciplinary approaches, including geography, archaeology, and literary theory, to provide a holistic understanding of the subject matter. This volume serves as an invaluable resource for students and researchers interested in pre-modern history, social history, and disaster studies. By examining the resilience and adaptability of cities in the face of adversity, it offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of urban societies and the enduring human spirit in the face of challenging circumstances.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032347370