"Many important trade routes went through medieval Flanders in the 13th century. Located between the Holy Roman Empire and the North Sea (present-day northern Belgium), the urban centers of the region were surpassed in population only by the city-states of northern Italy.".

"Enjoying great prosperity, the Flemings formed guilds to protect their rights, regulate their working hours and standardize their wages. A cohesive people, they were eager to retain the privileges they had gained. Powerful neighbors envied them.".

"In 1302, in one of the most significant battles of the Middle Ages, an undefeatable French cavalry faced determined Flemish foot soldiers at Kortrijk (in French: Courtrai). This book examines the origins of the battle, the astonishing consequences and the repercussions that linger in modern Belgium. It also examines the everyday lives of the inhabitants of Flanders.

This is the first major English-language study of the historic Battle of the Golden Spurs (the spurs, a key to distinguishing friend from foe)."--BOOK JACKET.