MACMILLAN Seven Centuries of Unreal Wages - Palgrave Studies in Economic History

Explore the complexities of historical economic data with Seven Centuries of Unreal Wages. Part of the Palgrave Studies in Economic History series, this book examines the unreliable sources and methods used to measure standards of living throughout history. It provides a deep look into how nominal and real wages are interpreted across different eras and regions. Readers will find detailed analysis regarding the challenges of data accuracy in pre-modern China and the divides found within economic history. The text moves from broad historical overviews to specific case studies, such as the earnings of skilled craftsmen in the early modern building trades and the pay of unskilled men on London building sites between 1650 and 1770. This work is essential for those studying the history of wages and the methodologies used to track agricultural laborers and urban workers. By questioning the accuracy of traditional measurements, this book offers a necessary perspective on how we understand the economic realities of the past.