Cerman revises the traditional view of 'serfdom' by providing an up-to-date survey of social and economic conditions in early modern Eastern Europe. Incorporating the latest research, Cerman identifies the role of villagers actively shaping rural societies and reassesses their legal, social and economic status, as well as rural power relations.

Offers new insights and a fresh theoretical basis for future analysis of rural society in the early modern period
Examines and reassesses established theories and myths of European economic development
Synthesizes past and present research on the subject, some of which isn't available in English
Features helpful illustrative tables, a glossary and uptodate bibliography to aid study

Autorentext

MARKUS CERMAN is Associate Professor of Economic and Social History at the University of Vienna, Austria.

Inhalt

List of Tables.- Note on References.- Series Editors'.- Preface.- Acknowledgements.- Glossary.- Map.- Understanding 'Demesne Lordship'.- The Myth of a 'Second Serfdom'.- Explaining the Rise of Demesne Lordship and of the Demesne Economy.- A Characterization of the Economic System.- A General Backwardness?.- Towards a New Assessment.- Bibliography.- Index.