Numerous aspects of the medieval economy are covered in this new collection of essays, from business fraud and changes in wages to the production of luxury goods. Long dominated by theories of causation involving class conflict and Malthusian crisis, the field of medieval economic history has been transformed in recent years by a better understanding of the process of commercialisation. Inrecognition of the important work in this area by Richard Britnell, this volume of essays brings together studies by historians from both sides of the Atlantic on fundamental aspects of the medieval commercial economy. From examinations of high wages, minimum wages and unemployment, through to innovative studies of consumption and supply, business fraud, economic regulation, small towns, the use of charters, and the role of shipmasters and peasants as entrepreneurs, this collection is essential reading for the student of the medieval economy. Contributors: John Hatcher, John Langdon, Derek Keene, John S. Lee, James Davis, Mark Bailey, Christine M. Newman, Peter L. Larson, Maryanne Kowaleski, Martha Carlin, James Masschaele, Christopher Dyer

An indispensable series for anyone who wishes to keep abreast of recent work in the field. WELSH HISTORY REVIEW The continued vitality and rich diversity of thirteenth-century studies is demonstrated in this latest volume in the series. Economic and social history is particular well-served, with a close examination of the concept of "bastard feudalism", while a detailed exploration of the cloth industry and trade, together with a paper on London wardrobes, with their implications of conspicuous consumption, add much to our knowledge of the commercial world during the period. There is also a particular focus on English relations with Wales and Scotland under Edward I, and on the early history and development of parliament. Other subjects treated include the nature of Englishness; the serjeants of the Common Pleas; English verse chronicles; and Henry III's marriage plans. Professor MICHAEL PRESTWICH, Professor ROBIN FRAME and the late Professor RICHARD BRITNELL taught at the Department of History at the University of Durham. Contributors: SUSAN REYNOLDS, J.R. MADDICOTT, SCOTT L. WAUGH, DEREK KEENE, PAUL BRAND, JOHN H. MUNRO, THEA SUMMERFIELD, REBECCA READER, MICHAEL PRESTWICH, BJOERN WEILER, J. BEVERLEY SMITH, ALAN YOUNG, MICHAEL HASKELL, HUGO SCHWYZER