"This edition has been substantially rewritten and reillustrated to take account of the extensive new excavations and interpretations since John Wacher's book was first published twenty years ago. A monumental study, it marked a watershed in Romano-British research, receiving instant and unanimous praise from reviewers for its insights and clear writing as much as for its comprehensiveness." "As before, the central section covers the origin, development, public and private buildings, fortifications, character and demise of each of the twenty-one major towns of the province." "The introductory chapters address the general questions of definition and urbanization, while the concluding chapter examines the reasons for the decay and final demise of these urban communities."--Jacket.