This study looks at the period in its own right without treating it as an epilogue to the Middle Ages or a prelude to modern times.

Richard Britnell is Reader in History at the University of Durham, where he has taught since 1966. He has published widely, mostly on medieval economic and social history. His previous books include The Growth and Decline of Colchester, 1300-1525 (1986) and The Commercialisation of English Society, 1000-1500 (second edition, 1996).