A timely look at the economic revolution that took place in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. The rise of the monetary economy transformed every aspect of medieval Europe, including its values and culture. The book traces the origins of global money, and surveys economic history, focusing on the environment, the plague, Jews, and institutions, using a wealth of imagery including illuminated manuscripts, coins, artworks, money chests, and account books. The iconography, minting, and foreign exchange of coins are examined, and the choice that Christians faced is investigated: should they save their money or their soul? The authors explore images of Avarice, the greedy punished in hell, morality and immoral ways to earn and spend money, and analyse representations of charity and voluntary poverty. Final chapters examine the material culture of the monetary economy, from an illuminated oath for minters to purses and lockboxes, and images of medieval money management. Beautiful full page colour illustrations including illuminated manuscripts of Joseph, Governor of Egypt, Oversees the Sale and Distribution of Grain, during a Great Famine from the Crusader Bible 1244-54 and Robinet Testard, Avarice, from a book of hours 1475. Vibrantly illustrated with illuminations, panel paintings, prints, stained glass, sculpture, and all sorts of material objects. 150 colour illustrations. 10 x 8.25", 232 pages.
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