EasterBlack-owned or founded brands at TargetGroceryClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesBabyHomeFurnitureKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenToysElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksSports & OutdoorsBeautyPersonal CareHealthPetsHousehold EssentialsArts, Crafts & SewingSchool & Office SuppliesParty SuppliesLuggageGift IdeasGift CardsClearanceTarget New ArrivalsTarget Finds#TargetStyleTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores

Serfdom in Medieval England - (Manchester Medieval Studies) by Mark Bailey (Hardcover)

Serfdom in Medieval England - (Manchester Medieval Studies) by  Mark Bailey (Hardcover) - 1 of 1
$140.00 when purchased online
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Highlights

  • Serfdom was a coercive relationship between a landowner and peasant, which was widespread across medieval and early modern Europe.
  • About the Author: Mark Bailey is Professor of Later Medieval History at the University of East Anglia
  • 432 Pages
  • History, Europe
  • Series Name: Manchester Medieval Studies

Description



About the Book



Re-evaluates the mechanics and decline of serfdom in medieval England, casting new light on the nature of its economy and society, and the impact of the Black Death.



Book Synopsis



Serfdom was a coercive relationship between a landowner and peasant, which was widespread across medieval and early modern Europe. It features prominently in major historical debates, such as the origins of capitalism and the divergent pathways of western and eastern Europe to modernity. Scholars have paid particular attention to English serfdom, which is usually portrayed as highly oppressive and a major cause of the Peasants' Revolt in 1381.

This comprehensive survey draws on a vast scholarship and new research to show how, in reality, English serfdom was weak, casting new light on the nature of its society and economy when the Black Death struck in 1348-9. The pandemic now assumes a central role in the rapid decline of serfdom, as illustrated in a case study of the estate of one of England's harshest landowners, St Albans abbey.



From the Back Cover



Serfdom was a common form of legal and socio-economic exclusion in medieval Europe; reconstructing how it operated enhances our understanding of diversity and its significance in the human past. Furthermore, its operation and decline in medieval England feature prominently in four major debates in economic and social history: the causes of the crisis of the early fourteenth century, the role of the Black Death of 1348-9 in triggering fundamental socio-economic change, the role of class struggle in determining particular pathways of economic development, and the origins of capitalism.

English serfdom is traditionally portrayed as pervasive and oppressive and, as such, a fundamental cause of the pre-plague crisis and the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. This major survey draws on a vast scholarship and original research to show that, in reality, English serfdom was weak in this crucial period. The reasons, and the implications for our understanding of economic change, are explored. As a result of this weakness, the Black Death dealt serfdom a mortal blow long before the revolt, as revealed by three case studies documenting its rapid decline on the estate of St Albans abbey, one of England's harshest landowners and a key target in 1381.

The book offers insights into the use of theory and evidence in history, and the sizeable gap that could exist between legal norms and actual practice on the ground. It provides the definitive reference point for comparisons with European systems of serfdom.



About the Author



Mark Bailey is Professor of Later Medieval History at the University of East Anglia
Dimensions (Overall): 8.5 Inches (H) x 5.43 Inches (W)
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Series Title: Manchester Medieval Studies
Sub-Genre: Europe
Genre: History
Number of Pages: 432
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Theme: Medieval
Format: Hardcover
Author: Mark Bailey
Language: English
Street Date: November 25, 2025
TCIN: 1002787270
UPC: 9781526172976
Item Number (DPCI): 247-37-7313
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1 inches length x 5.43 inches width x 8.5 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Related Categories

Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

Privacy policy

Footer

About Us

About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

Help

Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member Services

Stores

Find a StoreClinicPharmacyTarget OpticalMore In-Store Services

Services

Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy