The essays in this volume take an interdisciplinary and wide ranging look at urban history through the five senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. By spanning pre-industrial and modern cities it enables the reader to establish major contrasts and continuities in what is still an evolving urban experience. 'This book raises many interesting and thought provoking points in relation to the city and a range of senses and its publication is a welcome one. For too long, sight has been the primary sense and the reawakening of other senses is long overdue.' The Dog Rose Trust 'This is an interesting and important book on a hitherto rather neglected subject... The editorial introduction offers both a useful theoretical survey and an overview of trends from the Renaissance onwards... a raft of lively and informative studies follows... the editors, Alex Cowan and Jill Steward, are to be congratulated on producing an excellent pioneering work.' H-Albion and H-Net Review 'What this book offers the reader is a new appreciation in examining the city, and it sheds light on how the senses could act as a vehicle through which the historical urban context can be explored.' Urban Geography Research Group '... The City and the Senses is essential reading for any scholar working on questions relating to the urban.' Senses & Society