Michael Postan fue un historiador económico británico especializado en la Europa medieval. Su obra profundizó en las estructuras y el desarrollo económicos de la época. Postan era conocido por su meticulosa investigación y análisis en profundidad, que arrojaron luz sobre los sistemas económicos del pasado. Sus contribuciones al campo de la historia económica son significativas, y sus escritos siguen siendo un recurso clave para el estudio de la Europa medieval.
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.