A History of the Credit Market in Central Europe: The Middle Ages and Early Modern Period

This book is the first comprehensive study of loans and debts in Central European countries in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period. It outlines the issues of debts and loans in the Czech lands, Poland, and Hungary, with respect to the influence of Austria and Germany. It focuses on the role of loans and debts in medieval and early modern society, credit markets, the mechanism of lending and borrowing, forms of credit, availability of loans, frequency of credit dealings, range of lending business, and financial relationships inside and between social classes. The research is based on a wide range of resources and contains case studies that offer a comprehensive and representative sample of the most up-to-date Central European research on the history of loans and debts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking work is the first comprehensive study of loans and debts in Central European countries during the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period. It provides a detailed analysis of the issues surrounding debts and loans in the Czech lands, Poland, and Hungary, considering the influence of Austria and Germany. The book delves into the role of loans and debts in medieval and early modern society, the credit markets in these countries, the mechanisms of lending and borrowing, the various forms of credit available, the frequency of credit dealings, the scope of lending businesses, and the financial relationships within and between social classes.

The research for this book draws upon a diverse array of resources, including credit contracts, court records, accounting records of nobility, towns, churches, and guilds, merchant diaries, and Jewish registers. These resources offer a rich tapestry of information that spans various historical disciplines, including economic and financial history, social history, the history of economic thought, and the history of everyday life. The book also includes a wealth of case studies, providing a comprehensive and representative sample of the most recent Central European research on the history of loans and debts. These case studies serve as a valuable basis for comparison with other parts of Europe during the same period.

The book is primarily aimed at postgraduates, researchers, and academics in the fields of financial, economic, and historical sciences. However, it will also be a valuable resource for students of business schools, as it provides insights into the historical context and mechanisms of financial transactions and their impact on society.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking work is a significant contribution to the study of economic history and offers valuable insights into the complex relationships between loans, debts, and society in Central European countries during the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period. It will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and students alike.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367544324