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Institutions and European Trade : Merchant Guilds, 1000-1800
Title
Institutions and European Trade : Merchant Guilds, 1000-1800 / Sheilagh Ogilvie.
ISBN
9780521764179 (hardback)
0521764173 (hardback)
9780521747929 (paperback)
0521747929 (paperback)
9780521774729 (paperback)
Published
Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2011, ©2011.
Physical Description
vi, 493 pages ; 24 cm.
Summary
What was the role of merchant guilds in the medieval and early modern economy? Does their wide prevalence and long survival mean they were efficient institutions that benefited the whole economy? Or did they simply offer an effective way for the rich and powerful to increase their wealth, at the expense of outsiders, customers and society as a whole? These privileged associations of businessmen were key institutions in the European economy from 1000 to 1800. Historians debate merchant guilds' role in the Commercial Revolution, economists use them to support theories about institutions and development, and policy-makers view them as prime examples of social capital, with important lessons for modern economies. The author's new history of commercial institutions shows how the answers to such questions can help us understand which types of institution made trade grow, why institutions exist, and how corporate privileges affect economic efficiency and human well-being.
"Cambridge Studies in Economic History comprises stimulating and accessible economic history which actively builds bridges to other disciplines. Books in the series will illuminate why the issues they address are important and interesting, place their findings in a comparative context, and relate their research to wider debates and controversies. The series will combine innovative and exciting new research by younger researchers with new approaches to major issues by senior scholars. It will publish distinguished work regardless of chronological period or geographical location"-- Provided by publisher.
Format
Books
Language
English
Added to Catalog
August 28, 2014
Series
Cambridge studies in economic history
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 435-475) and index.
Contents
1. Merchant guilds, efficiency, and social capital
2. What was a merchant guild?
3. Local merchant guilds
4. Alien merchant guilds and companies
5. Merchant guilds and rulers
6. Commercial security
7. Contract enforcement
8. Principal-agent problems
9. Information
10. Price volatility
11. Institutions, social capital and economic development.
Subjects
Genre/Form
History.
Bookmark As
Citation
