This vivid and lively account of Antwerp's glory years takes us back to the 16th century when the city is transformed into a rich and cultured European powerhouse. Michael Begley reads.

Michael Pye's history of Antwerp is a fascinating account of the city during its golden age. Told through character studies, novels, paintings, songs, inventories and city ordinances, an evocative portrait emerges. Transformed into a trading powerhouse, nationals from all over Europe converged in Antwerp, making deals and enjoying the free and easy manners in a place where scandal and heresy was tolerated, and fortunes could be made almost over night. It's not long before religious divisions, and bellicose heads of state bring about an end to the city's tolerance, and its financial prowess.

Michael Pye is the author of twelve previous books which have been translated into fifteen languages. He has worked as a journalist, broadcaster and columnist in London and New York.

Image: Salve Felix Antverpia, anonymous woodcut. KU Leuven. Special Collections

Abridged by Richard Hamilton
Produced by Elizabeth Allard Show less