Author Description

This large-format book presents the history of Amstelland the area along the river Amstel in southern North Holland through a series of maps, illustrating the landscapes transformation from desolate marsh to green oasis on the edge of Amsterdams bustling urban habitat. Based on recent research, it follows the history from the 11th century onwards, especially focusing on the rise of Amsterdam in the Dutch Golden Age, and how the citys proximity to Amstelland brought about major changes in the region. Nowadays, the relation between city and countryside has become so thoroughly intertwined that each can only be properly understood by studying them together.