The major changes experienced by France's cities over the period from the end of the middle ages to the eve of the Revolution are explored by six French and North American historians.

Contributors: Philip Benedict, Brown Univeristy; Robert Descimon, Centre Nationale de Recherche Scientifique, Paris; Claire Dolan, Universite Laval, Quebec; James R. Farr, Purdue University; Rene Favier, Universite des Sciences Sociales de Grenoble; Frederick M. Irvine, University of Toronto; Robert A. Schneider, Brandeis University