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three sections. The Origins of the Medieval Economy (850-1050), Expansion and Crisis(100-1350) and Making a New World (1350-1520) It has to be said that it is the later period of the book that Dyer is most convincing in, and in this era he manages to turn the pessimism and bleak outlook of Postan on its head and re-interprets the period in a more positive light. The earlier part of the book is presented in vaguer terms, but still holds its own and comes up with some convincing theories. Exploring such themes as the development of class separation, the formation of towns,exchange and trade networks, population increase and inflation, as well as the obvious key events of the times such as the Viking Invasion and the Black Death, a whole range of factors is explored for their effect on society and how society responded to those factors.

At nearly 400 pages, Making a Living... is a large book, but with its chosen span of seven hundred years it has a lot of information to impart, and if Dyer doesn't give us all the answers, he does give us the next best thing, a whole new framework of thinking on which to hang our own interpretations. It is both a scholarly work and a consumerist book and as such covers a wide market audience and with its solid footing in good research and convincing theory it will last a lot longer than many of the passing fads that come and go with such frequency these days.

As for prices, the paper back is priced around the 9.00 mark and the hardback at just under 16.00, the best place I found was at Amazon who may also be able to offer a reduced price on pre-owned copies. There seems to be a re-issued version of the book just released at 25.00 at most stores. Im not sure if any amendments have been made to the newer text, but bear in mind that the above review is based on the earlier version of the book, though Im sure it is still applicable to the newer release as well.

A summary of his books can be found at:

http://www.summaryofabook.c om/41184_christopher-dyer.html

He also has his own page at

http://www.authorof.com/1504 52_christopher-dyer_1852851120 everydaylifeinmedievalenglandb ookscomputer.html

Learn more about this author, Dave Franklin.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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