This text is a survey of the most influential theoretical approaches adopted for the study of medieval economy and society. It offers a readily intelligible introduction to medieval economic history, a critique of established models, and a succinct treatise on historiographical method.

This book surveys the most influential theoretical approaches adopted for the study of medieval economy and society. It offers an accessible introduction to medieval economic history, an up-to-date critique of established models, and a succinct treatise on historiographical method.

Will be welcomed by students and teachers of economic history. Examining English economic development between the Norman Conquest and the late fifteenth century they [Hatcher and Bailey] present a wonderfully clear exposition of the three 'classic supermodels' that have dominated debates on the medieval economy and its transition towards commercial modernity ... The very real achievement of this book is to make these debates and their consequences accessible and interesting, even at times positively exciting ... few could doubt its usefulness and timeliness.