Europe's political structure was not always in the form of a small number of unitary and integrated nation states. In the foothills of modernity, Europe was dominated by a multiplicity of regional entities, for the most part smaller than nation states, but they were nonetheless remarkably durable and robust, only gradually surrendering their independence. Nine case-studies examine the piecemeal aggrandizement and integration that determined the emerging state pattern of ancien regime Europe. They demonstrate intricate, variegated developments in which both rulers and ruled participated. Coverage includes the British Isles as well as continental Europe.