The merchants of the medieval Hanse monopolised trade in the Baltic and North Sea areas. The authors describe the structure of their trade system in terms of network organisation and attempts to explain, on the grounds of institutional economics, the coordination of the merchants' commercial exchange by reputation, trust and culture. The institutional economics approach also allows for a comprehensive analysis of coordination problems arising between merchants, towns and the 'Kontore'. Due to the simplicity and flexibility of network trade the Hansards could bridge the huge gap in economic development between the West and the East. In the changing economic conditions around 1500, however, exactly these characteristics proved to be a serious limit to further retain their trade monopoly.

The 14th century was the high-point of German mercenary activity in the service of Italian princes and cities. For the first time in 60 years, this study addresses the multifarious implications of this intriguing subject. On the basis of newly discovered sources, it analyzes the general parameters defining international mercenary service in 14th century Italy and describes the life-situations of German mercenaries in war and peacetime. Inquiry into the motives of the mercenaries extends the purview to their geographical origins north of the Alps.

Die historischen Wissenschaften haben die Beschreibung von Menschen in Gruppen und von Menschengruppen von jeher als ihre Aufgabe verstanden. Seit dem Ende des 20. Jahrhunderts zeichnet sich dabei ein Paradigmenwechsel ab: Nicht mehr Konjunkturen, Klassen und Strukturen werden seitdem vorrangig analysiert, sondern das handelnde Individuum ruckt wieder verstarkt in den Blick."