Explores the variety of legal and regulatory regimes that existed in Western Europe to control labour and how workers experienced those controls. Many economic historians have assumed that labour in Western Europe was 'free' after the end of serfdom in the fifteenth century. These assumptions are increasingly being questioned and labour laws have been identified as creating significant restrictions on workers' freedom. This collection is the first book to look at labour laws across Western Europe from a longer-term perspective. It is interdisciplinary in nature bringing together studies in social, political, economic and legal history. Elements of labour legislation appeared before the Black Death, but were strengthened afterwards particularly in places and periods where labour became scarce. The collection focuses on the rural economy in the late medieval and early modern period. It provides a series of studies which introduce a range of approaches to labour regulation and the very idea of labour across Europe. Uniquely, the collection offers observations on the impact of labour laws on everyday social relations. Attempts to regulate work and labour varied widely: in places they amounted to wishful thinking on the part of the regional authorities, whereas elsewhere they could impose severe limitations on individual freedoms. Contributors: Davide Cristoferi, Theresa Johnsson, Thijs Lambrecht, Charmian Mansell, Francine Michaud, Hanne Østhus, Raffaella Sarti, Carolina Uppenberg and Jane Whittle.

London, 1886 Lady Victoria Ashton, a most accomplished young woman of her time, has a great affection for humanity, and her single desire is to serve. Only through the love and support of her father, the earl of Ashton, does Victoria become a medical doctor, traveling the back streets and alleys of London. It would seem as though she has it all-beauty, knowledge, respect from her community, and a growing medical practice. But her world is unexpectedly shattered by the untimely death of her beloved father, and she tries desperately to continue on without him. With a demanding brother, a supportive mother, and a formulated plan, Lady Ashton finds herself struggling with the art of romance and the world of high society. But, being who she is and where she has been, will she ever find her equal, not only in love but in her profession, as well? When the competition for Victoria's affections begins, she experiences a whole new world and must decide where it is she would like to place her heart for the long term. Whom will she choose? Trying desperately to grasp at every opportunity for a secure future, can one man's love save her from the secrets of another before all is lost?