Economic History of Europe : Knowledge, Institutions and Welfare, Prehistory to the Present

In this revised and updated edition, An Economic History of Europe re-establishes itself as the leading textbook on European economic history. With an expanded scope, from prehistory to the present, it will be invaluable source for students, educators and researchers seeking to better understand Europe's long-run economic development. The authors cover key themes including the rise of institutions, technological advancements, globalization, and the Industrial Revolution, with a fresh emphasis on the wider impact of economic policies on welfare reflecting a broader understanding of societal well-being. The chronological structure, clear explanations, case studies, and minimal use of complex mathematics make this an accessible approach that allows students to apply economic theories in historical practice. The new edition also connects historical development to urgent contemporary issues such as modern-day sustainability goals. This comprehensive guide provides students with both a historical narrative of Europe's economic transformation, and the essential tools for analysing it.

Karl Gunnar Persson was Emeritus Professor at the Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen and taught comparative economic history and globalization studies over five decades. His works include Pre-Industrial Economic Growth (1988) and Grain Markets in Europe, 1500–1900 (2000).

Paul Sharp is a professor of economics at the University of Southern Denmark and an editor for academic journals such as the Scandinavian Economic History Review. He is the co-author of A Land of Milk and Butter: How Elites Created the Modern Danish Dairy Industry (2019).

Markus Lampe is professor of economic and social history at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business. He is the co-author of A Land of Milk and Butter: How Elites Created the Modern Danish Dairy Industry (2019).