In the thirteenth century, Languedoc was brought under French rule as Gwynedd in North Wales was conquered by the English.  James B. Given shows that although Languedoc and Gwynedd were both integrated into larger political organizations that were in many ways similar, the different social, political, and economic structures of these regions guaranteed their very different experiences of rule by outsiders.  His rigorous and creative comparative history contributes significantly to our understanding of the state-building process in medieval and early modern Europe.
    State and Society in Medieval Europe examines how under English rule Gwynedd was reduced to near colonial status.  The region's native ruling class was largely exterminated during the conquest, Given shows; the remaining Welsh gentry were denied access to political roles in the English kingdom  and were allowed to play only a subordinate part in running their own country.  Native governing institutions were largely abolished and replaced with English-style structure. The economic resources of the country were rigorously exploited.
    Languedoc did not suffer a similar fate, Given argues, mainly because at the time of conquest political authority was more highly institutionalized there. The dominant classes of Languedoc preserved and in some cases expanded their authority under French hegemony, and the new royal administration in the country was heavily infiltrated by Languedocians.  Their continued strength significantly restrained the ability of the French to appropriate Languedoc's resources.
    The two conquests had strikingly different results, according to Given, both because the distinct indigenous social structure of Languedoc and Gwynedd conditioned the state-building process in complex ways and because the state organizations of France and England had different effects on the societies they ruled.
    Medievalists, historical sociologists, political scientists, and scholars interested in European state building will find State and Society in Medieval Europe stimulating reading.