A complete urban history. The history of Stavanger is not only the first full study of the city's development in English, but also the first history of any Norwegian town to be published in this language. That is very appropriate, given Stavanger's long-standing international and multicultural character. Few Norwegian cities can claim an equally dramatic past. This work unravels the historical threads, describes and explains them, and takes the reader on a fascinating journey over nine centuries. The book is aimed at a broad readership. It establishes an identity for the city and all its residents, and provides an ideal source for everyone who wants to understand Stavanger in a regional, national and international context.