Using cartographic and visual historical material, this Historical Atlas of Antwerp provides a unique insight into ‘represented space’ as imagined by politicians, artist, planners and residents. With the help of innovative digital GIS analysis unsuspected connections and patterns of urban development are brought to light.
Michael Pye sets out to rediscover the city that was lost and bring its wilder days to life using every kind of clue: novels, paintings, songs, schoolbooks, letters and the archives of Venice, London and the Medici. He builds a picture of a city haunted by fire, plague and violence, but learning how to be a power in its own right in the world after feudalism.
This book takes you to an unknown Antwerp, when the city was not yet a city, but a place along the river, a settlement that no one can suspect will grow into a metropolis. Where are the roots of Antwerp? Why do people settle there and keep coming back? How can a once simple yard grow into a prosperous trading town, proud and strong?