Medieval Bruges provides an early model of a great capitalist city. This book examines the factors which contributed to Bruges' economic success such as the shift to sea-borne commerce and the efforts of the city's population to fashion a great commercial center. With its study of diverse topics such as the city's political history, its advantageous communications position, the wool, cloth and gold trade and the role of women in the market, the volume offers a case-study in medieval economic history as well as a social and cultural history of medieval Bruges.