Description: The fruit of forty years of research, the essays in this collection discuss the complex and interrelated issues involved in medieval England's growing dependence upon trade, over both short distances and long. Discussions include analyses of quantitative indices, such as the number and size of towns, markets and fairs, and the volume of monetary circulation and of widespread changes of work experience, customary practices and moral values as households became more dependent upon markets. In addition, the evidence of transformative commercial growth in the medieval period gives rise to numerous questions concerning its relationship to more modern times.
Review Quotes: 'Medieval historians owe a debt to Ashgate for their Variorum Collected Studies series, which has made conveniently available so many valuable essays widely scattered in their original published forms. ... this volume is a most welcome addition to the series.' English Historical Review 'Britnell is one of the most eminent scholars in the field of medieval English commercial history of the past 30 years... This collection of Britnell's articles serves to highlight his high standards of scholarship and his pervading influence.' Economic History Review