I've always been fascinated with the form and function of castles, the city that grew/supported them, and more recently the economics of that medieval city.
What books would be a good resource for how cities and castles developed throughout the middle ages, and their relationship with each other?
I'm sure it's a fairly broad question, as different cities in different countries with different religions colour the development of cities differently- not to mention the fact that things in late antiquity would be different from the lead up to the Renaissance.
I guess I'm interested in general trends and forces that developed, and also how the development of wealth and skilled professionals evolved and stressed the social dynamics of the time.
What would be some good books to start me on this historical journey?
I'm sure someone will come along with a more exhaustive list of recommendations, but I would start with Georges Duby's The Early Growth of the European Economy. It's a bit long in the tooth and certain aspects of it don't stand up well - especially the parts dealing with the 7th-9th centuries - but it's also a classic that every medievalist worth his salt is at least aware of.