Michael Postan était un historien économique britannique spécialisé dans l'Europe médiévale. Son travail s'est penché sur les structures économiques et le développement de l'époque. Postan était connu pour ses recherches méticuleuses et son analyse approfondie, qui ont éclairé les systèmes économiques passés. Ses contributions au domaine de l'histoire économique sont importantes, et ses écrits restent une ressource clé pour l'étude de l'Europe médiévale.
Includes The economic foundations of medieval society, The rise of a money economy, The chronology of labour services and The charters of the villeins.
The book features an inaugural lecture by M. M. Postan, delivered at the University of Cambridge in 1939. It offers insights into economic history and the development of historical thought, reflecting Postan's scholarly contributions and perspectives on the subject. The lecture serves as an important academic milestone, showcasing the intersection of economics and history during that period.
This collection showcases Professor Postan's significant essays, focusing on the intricacies of medieval trade and finance. It delves into the economic systems of the Middle Ages, exploring the relationships between commerce, society, and the evolving financial practices of the time. Through rigorous analysis, the essays provide valuable insights into the historical context and impact of trade on medieval economies.