"As the history of the smaller European countries has been rather neglected in the teaching of European history at the university level, this volume represents the first comprehensive history of the Low Countries in English Remaining politically and culturally fragmented - with its inhabitants speaking Dutch, French, Frisian, and German - the Low Countries offer a fascinating picture of European history en miniature. This well-illustrated volume serves as an introduction to the rich history of the Low Countries for students and the generally interested reader alike."--BOOK JACKET.