Mills in the Medieval Economy: England 1300-1540 (Great Britain & Ireland) - Hardcover

Langdon, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199265585 ISBN 13: 9780199265589

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2004

Synopsis

The late medieval English milling industry epitomizes one of the most important technical achievements of early societies: the exploitation of wind, water and muscle power for augmenting human endeavours. Through a computerized analysis of the number and variety of mills in England from 1300 to 1540, as well as the technology, practices and personnel sustaining them, Langdon reveals the structural evolution of the milling industry, highlighting both its accomplishments and its limitations. Although it focuses on England during the later middle ages, the book's innovative methodologies and original findings will furnish useful comparative material for all scholars investigating pre-industrial societies. It also offers a challenging new perspective on the later middle ages as a time of change, in addition to providing enthusiasts of old technologies generally with a wealth of detail about one of the most recognizable and enduring features of medieval society.

About this title

About the Author:

John Langdon is a Professor of British Medieval History, University of Alberta.

Review:

"This volume should be required reading for advanced students in medieval history, economic history, the history of technology, social history, and related fields."--Charles R. Bowlus, The Historian

"A well-crafted, carefully prepared study that not only offers a valuable description of many facets of a relatively complex technology for middle ages but also productively explores, both in theory and in practice, the forces which promote and prohibit the adoption of different methods of getting work done."--Technology and Culture

"This book not only makes available a mass of empirical research and provides the best survey of its topic but also suggests a number of areas for future research by economic historians and those in the disciplines of archaeology, literary criticism, and art history. It will be essential reading for all historians of the medieval English economy and society."--American Historical Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0199265585
• ISBN 13: 9780199265589
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384