Machine derived contents note: List of maps and tables -- Acknowledgements -- Abbreviations -- Genealogical table -- Introduction -- 1. The regional society -- 2. The county communities -- 3. Lesser solidarities -- 4. The population -- 5. Landed society -- 6. The peasantry -- 7. Towns, trade and industry -- 8. The church -- 9. Military service -- 10. Power, patronage and provincial culture -- 11. Conclusion -- Bibliography -- Index