Money and Power: The Rise of Medieval Banking and Trade

"Money and Power: The Rise of Medieval Banking and Trade" by Ryan Evans explores the pivotal economic transformations that shaped medieval Europe, focusing on the development of banking and trade systems that would lay the foundation for modern capitalism. The book delves into the intricate world of early banking institutions, such as the Medici and other banking families, and examines how they used financial innovations like bills of exchange, promissory notes, and letters of credit to revolutionize long-distance trade.
Evans also explores the rise of medieval merchant networks, the challenges posed by the Church's prohibition on usury, and the dynamic interplay between politics, religion, and commerce. From the bustling streets of Venice to the ports of northern Europe, this book offers a comprehensive look at how finance and power were intertwined during the Middle Ages and how they paved the way for the global financial systems that would emerge in the Renaissance and beyond.