The Agrarian Problem in the Sixteenth Century

In this meticulously researched study, the author follows the evolution of England’s countryside from the waning medieval era to the brink of the Civil War. By weaving together original manorial records, contemporary letters, and the latest scholarship, the narrative reveals how shifting land ownership and farming practices sowed both opportunity and hardship for peasants and landlords alike. The work is anchored by detailed statistical tables and six illustrative maps that bring the data to life.

Beyond raw numbers, the book explores the underlying ideas that shaped policy and everyday decisions, showing how economic theories of the sixteenth century filtered down to the fields and villages. Readers will gain insight into the social tensions that emerged as traditional agrarian structures were upended, and how these changes influenced broader political debates of the age. The clear, measured prose makes a complex period accessible, inviting listeners to hear the voices of a transformative era.