The Open Field System and Beyond: A Property Rights Analysis of an Economic Institution

Dahlman Carl J

ISBN 10: 0521228816 / ISBN 13: 9780521228817

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1980

About this Item

Envoi rapide Très bon état. 14 2x21 8x2 3cm. 1980. Cartonné jaquette. 242 pages. Very Good.

Seller Inventory # 100137597

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Open Field System and Beyond: A Property Rights Analysis of an Economic Institution
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1980
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521228816
• ISBN 13: 9780521228817
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • British & Irish history England Early history: ...

About this title

Synopsis

In this book, Professor Dahlman applies modern economic methodology to an old historical problem. He demonstrates how the quaint institutions of the ancient English open field system of agriculture can be understood as an intelligent and rational adaptation to a particular problem of production and to certain historical circumstances. He argues that the two major characteristics of this type of agriculture - scattered strips owned by individual peasants and extensive areas of common land - both fulfilled vital economic functions. This overturns the traditional view of the open field system as inefficient and rigidly bound by tradition, and throws light on the behaviour of medeival peasants. Professor Dahlman also offers some generalisations about the economic theory of institutions and institutional change, refuting the idea that an economic analysis of institutions must necessarily be deterministic. As a challenge to some of the fundamental criticisms of the application of economic theory to historical problems, the book will be of great interest to agrarian historians and to economic historians generally, as well as to specialists in the medieval period.

Book Description

In this book, Professor Dahlman applies modern economic methodology to an old historical problem. He demonstrates how the quaint institutions of the ancient English open field system of agriculture can be understood as an intelligent and rational adaptation to a particular problem of production and to certain historical circumstances.