The Mercery of London

'Through its sheer richness and thoroughness, this study succeeds in demonstrating how one major medieval and early modern guild had very blurred lines of demarcation and reflected quite heterogeneous interests... Highly recommended.' Choice '... published on a scale rare in modern monographs, whose length reflects both the chronological breadth and interpretative depth of this research.' History 'This massive study throws new light on the history of London, and frequently on regional changes as well.' Northern History 'Anne Sutton's formidable study of the mercers' trade of medieval and sixteenth-century London is a major contribution to the economic and social history of the capital... This is densely argued, meticulously researched, and a thoroughly rewarding book, which deserves to be read widely outside the limited circle of guild aficionados.' Economic History Review 'Anne Sutton's clear and detailed history of the mercery trade in London succeeds in charting the development of one of the most influential trades of the medieval period. Through an exhaustive study of a wide range of surviving records, the book very effectively analyzes this trade, the mercers' rise to a dominant position, and their ultimate demise in the late sixteenth century... This is Anne Sutton's magnum opus. The book wholly succeeds in its task of clarifying in detail the long and complex history of the medieval mercers and their company and clearly demonstrates Sutton's extensive knowledge of the trade... It will be of interest, and is highly recommended, to all those interested in medieval business, particularly the cloth trade.' Business History Review 'This is a deeply researched business and guild history to which all students of sixteenth-century English economic history must refer. Sutton has a broad understanding of how the early modern business system worked and has built a platform of knowledge upon which many others can build. She must have realized that her book would become a key reference work, as scholars will find it particularly easy to use by leafing through her seventy-six-page index.' Sixteenth Century Journal '... this volume does much to fill in a large gap in the literature on cloth trade...' Medieval Clothing and Textiles '[Anne Sutton] has now produced a truly magnificent, most thoroughly researched, and beautifully written study, for which the entire scholarly community devoted to English medieval history must be deeply indebted... I doubt that any future generation of historians will ever uncover anything substantially new about the Mercers; and thus [...] her monograph must be considered the absolutely definitive study on this most important subject.' The London Journal 'Sutton has for more than two decades produced a steady stream of academic articles about the mercers. This book is, therefore, the culmination of a sustained and highly ambitious research program; it has the look and feel of a magnum opus. It has five apprendixes... It also has a twenty-seven-page bibliography and, perhaps most amazingly, a seventy-five-page index, which in itself will be an invaluable resource for scholars. Specialists in the history of late medieval and early modern London as well as those interested in national and international trade and politics will learn a great deal from Sutton's marvelous book.' Journal of British Studies