Norman Pounds has put together the comprehensive book for understanding medieval Europe through the study of economic systems. The book is designed for the medieval specialist, but a non-specialist would easily understand the material. The first three chapters, which are a chronological introduction to the topic, are absolutely spectacular and could easily stand on their own. The next five chapters deal with the topic thematically. There are chapters on population, agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and towns. Each chapter treats the subject chronologically, and are packed with insight. The final two chapters discuss the economic changes taking place in the Late Medieval period.

Pounds has really mastered the material, including the most comprehensive bibliography ever assembled. Much space is devoted to discussing the evidence and the historiographical debate surrounding each sub-topic. Perhaps the only downfall to Pounds' wonderful work is that it is really limited to the periods from which there is substantial evidence. Outside of Chapter Two, the Early Medieval period is hardly discussed. This is, however, made up for with spectacular analysis in the later periods.

Finally, the graphics alone make this book worth the hunt. There are amazing maps, charts, graphs, and illustrations all over this book, all of which are quite usefull.

This book discusses the period between the end of Roman empire and the Renaissance both as a chronological process and as a series of foci on topics as commerce, manufacturing and population. My reason for warmly recommending this book is that it gives an insight into important developments in the middle ages, for example the role of the monasteries as a kind of early multinationals was an eye opener for me. An other reason is that it explains patterns you can see in present day Europe. The way towns were founded in the 12th and 13th century explains a lot of the spacing of the cities you see today. The development of the plough gives insight in why what parts of the countryside were populated.etc. The list is endless.For me it meant the opening up of a whole new field of interest; economic history. Recommended, also for Americans visiting Europe, who really want to understand what they see in Italy, France and Flanders to mention a few countries. Walking through Troyes is a different experience if you have read this book. For the English centred there is a drawback, for an English book England is relatively sparcely mentioned. The book is well written and has a pleasant style.