Peasants and Lords in the Medieval English Economy

Book excerpt: Professor Bruce Campbell's career has been devoted to providing systematic and highly influential studies of the medieval economy and society of the British Isles, including his innovative work on the role of the elites in defining medieval agricultural practices. This volume draws together essays from a distinguished group of researchers who have been inspired by Campbell's work and the spirit of collegiality and inclusiveness that he has always demonstrated, and who wish to celebrate his significant contributions to scholarship. Many of the essays collected here engage directly with critical issues raised in Professor Campbell's own research: how medieval society fed itself with reputedly very low levels of technology, the productivity of medieval society as a whole, the impact of external forces (particularly climate), the relationship between lords and peasants, and the importance of non-seigniorial contributions to the medieval economy.