An Economic History of Europe
An Economic History of Europe
Paul Sharp, University of Southern Denmark
Markus Lampe, Wirtschaftsuniversitat Wien, Austria
In this revised and updated edition, An Economic History of Europe re-establishes itself as the leading textbook on European economic history. With an expanded scope, from prehistory to the present, it will be invaluable source for students, educators and researchers seeking to better understand Europe's long-run economic development. The authors cover key themes including the rise of institutions, technological advancements, globalization, and the Industrial Revolution, with a fresh emphasis on the wider impact of economic policies on welfare reflecting a broader understanding of societal well-being. The chronological structure, clear explanations, case studies, and minimal use of complex mathematics make this an accessible approach that allows students to apply economic theories in historical practice. The new edition also connects historical development to urgent contemporary issues such as modern-day sustainability goals. This comprehensive guide provides students with both a historical narrative of Europe's economic transformation, and the essential tools for analysing it.
- A pan-European history of economic development, situated within its wider global context, helps students to appreciate broader trends
- Contains revised and expanded case studies demonstrating how students can put economic theories in historical practice
- Connects economic history to modern global challenges today, especially sustainability
- Expands the scope of traditional economic history to include welfare, reflecting a broader understanding of societal well-being
- Incorporates innovative new research in areas from pre-history to the Eurozone crisis, allowing students to keep ahead of the most current themes emerging in their field
Reviews & endorsements
‘An Economic History of Europe is a must-read for anyone curious about long-run economic development. It breaks down key topics clearly, with great structure and helpful reading suggestions. Engaging, insightful, and highly recommended!’ Kerstin Enflo, Lund University
‘Textbook writers are easily mired in Europe’s long and complicated economic history but here the story is told with flair. Persson, Sharp and Lampe cover Neolithic times to the post-COVID pandemic, using concepts and theories from economics and citing a range of diverse evidence. Economic history emerges as relevant and exciting.’ Jane Humphries, Oxford University
‘A most welcome revision of the leading text for teaching the Economic History of Europe. By beginning its story deeper in the past, and broadening its scope to encompass multiple dimensions of human welfare, while also adding timely research on sustainability, it speaks to the questions our students are asking now about Europe’s place in the global economy.’ Anne McCants, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
‘This third edition of an already classic textbook is extremely welcome, incorporating as it does a wealth of new material. Teachers and students looking for a concise and readable introduction to the economic history of Europe need look no further.’ Kevin O’Rourke, CNRS and Sciences Po, Paris
Product details
August 2025Hardback
9781009613989
334 pages
244 × 170 mm
36 b/w illus. 4 maps
Not yet published - available from August 2025
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. The making of Europe
- 2. Europe from obscurity to economic recovery
- 3. Population and resource constraints
- 4. The nature and extent of economic growth in the pre-industrial epoch
- 5. Institutions and efficiency
- 6. Knowledge, technology transfer and convergence
- 7. Money, credit and banking
- 8. Trade and globalization
- 9. Factor markets and globalization
- 10. What (should) governments do
- 11. Inequalities between individuals, households and nations
- Appendix
- Glossary.
