Description
The debate on the transition from feudalism to capitalism, originally published in Science and Society in the early 1950s, is one of the most famous episodes in the development of Marxist historiography since the war. It ranged such distinguished contributors as Maurice Dobb, Paul Sweezy, Kohachiro Takahshi and Christopher Hill against each other in a common, critical discussion. Verso has now published the complete texts of the original debate, to which subsequent discussion has returned again and again, together with significant new materials produced by historians since then. These include articles on the same themes by such French and Italian historians as Georges Lefebvre and Giuliano Procacci.
What was the role of trade in the Dark Ages? How did feudal rents evolve during the Middle Ages? Where should the economic origins of mediaeval towns be sought? Why did serfdom eventually disappear in Western Europe? What was the exact relationship between city and countryside in the transition from feudalism to capitalism? How should the importance of overseas expansion be assessed for the 'primitive accumulation of capital' in Europe? When should the first bourgeois revolutions be dated, and which social classes participated in them? All these, and many other vital questions for every student of mediaeval and modern history, are widely and freely explored.
Finally, for this Verso edition, Rodney Hilton, author of Bond Men Made Free, has written a special introductory essay, reconsidering and summarising relevant scholarship in the two decades since the publication of the original discussion. The result is a book that will be essential for history courses, and fascinating for the general reader.
About the Author
Rodney Hilton (1916-2002) was for many years Professor of Medieval Social History at Birmingham University. His books include such classics as Bond Men Made Free, English Peasantry in the Middle Ages, and a bestselling collection which he edited for Verso, The Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism.
Reviews
This book is already an important document of Marxist scholarship and will certainly become a valuable reference for researchers into the transition from feudalism to capitalism. It also provides a fine presentation of historical methodology, informing us where to look if we wish to understand the transition. * American Journal of Sociology *
... a far reaching discussion about the origins of capitalism and the way in which it emerged from feudal society ... The controversy was never fully concluded, and perhaps never will be, but in its course it added materially to our understanding. Students not yet familiar with this important book will be glad to have this chance to repair the omission. * Morning Star *
... refreshing to be reminded again that history happened and raises questions. * New Society *
This book provides important insights into the patterns of Marxist historiography during the last few years and is particularly suitable for advanced seminars centred on interpretive and historiographical issues relating to European economic and social history. * Choice *
Book Information
ISBN 9780860917014
Author Christopher Hill
Format Paperback
Page Count 196
Imprint Verso Books
Publisher Verso Books
Weight(grams) 273g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 137mm * 13mm
What was the role of trade in the Dark Ages? How did feudal rents evolve during the Middle Ages? Where should the economic origins of mediaeval towns be sought? Why did serfdom eventually disappear in Western Europe? What was the exact relationship between city and countryside in the transition from feudalism to capitalism? How should the importance of overseas expansion be assessed for the 'primitive accumulation of capital' in Europe? When should the first bourgeois revolutions be dated, and which social classes participated in them? All these, and many other vital questions for every student of mediaeval and modern history, are widely and freely explored.
Finally, for this Verso edition, Rodney Hilton, author of Bond Men Made Free, has written a special introductory essay, reconsidering and summarising relevant scholarship in the two decades since the publication of the original discussion. The result is a book that will be essential for history courses, and fascinating for the general reader.
About the Author
Rodney Hilton (1916-2002) was for many years Professor of Medieval Social History at Birmingham University. His books include such classics as Bond Men Made Free, English Peasantry in the Middle Ages, and a bestselling collection which he edited for Verso, The Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism.
Reviews
This book is already an important document of Marxist scholarship and will certainly become a valuable reference for researchers into the transition from feudalism to capitalism. It also provides a fine presentation of historical methodology, informing us where to look if we wish to understand the transition. * American Journal of Sociology *
... a far reaching discussion about the origins of capitalism and the way in which it emerged from feudal society ... The controversy was never fully concluded, and perhaps never will be, but in its course it added materially to our understanding. Students not yet familiar with this important book will be glad to have this chance to repair the omission. * Morning Star *
... refreshing to be reminded again that history happened and raises questions. * New Society *
This book provides important insights into the patterns of Marxist historiography during the last few years and is particularly suitable for advanced seminars centred on interpretive and historiographical issues relating to European economic and social history. * Choice *
Book Information
ISBN 9780860917014
Author Christopher Hill
Format Paperback
Page Count 196
Imprint Verso Books
Publisher Verso Books
Weight(grams) 273g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 137mm * 13mm
