The theme of this volume is challenging both in its scale and in its scope. Its purpose is to take account of the state of research and writing on the symbiotic relationship between banking, trade and industry and the state during the rise and expansion of capitalism, and to compare and assess the results in order to widen current perspectives. Topics covered range from the origins of banking in the Middle Ages, through the influence of banks in leading industrial economies and the influence of banks on "latecomer" economies, to the expansion of banking in the American and Asian economies.

The theme of this volume is challenging both in its scale and in its scope. Its purpose is to take account of the state of research and writing on the symbiotic relationship between banking, trade and industry and the state during the rise and expansion of capitalism, and to compare and assess the results in order to widen current perspectives. Topics covered range from the origins of banking in the Middle Ages, through the influence of banks in leading industrial economies and the influence of banks on "latecomer" economies, to the expansion of banking in the American and Asian economies.