Before European Hegemony The World System A.D. 1250-1350 [Paperback]

In this important study, Abu-Lughod presents a groundbreaking reinterpretation of global economic evolution, arguing that the modern world economy had its roots not in the sixteenth century, as is widely supposed, but in the thirteenth century economy--a system far different from the European world system which emerged from it. Using the city as the working unit of analysis,Before European Hegemonyprovides a new paradigm for understanding the evolution of world systems by tracing the rise of a system that, at its peak in the opening decades of the 14th century, involved a vast region stretching between northwest Europe and China. Writing in a clear and lively style, Abu-Lughod explores the reasons for the eventual decay of this system and the rise of European hegemony.

A provocative, well-researched, imaginative book. --Contemporary Sociology

A useful and stimulating economic history that juxtaposes data from many different regions....The book should prove useful and popular in world history courses. --American Historical Review

An important work in historical sociology. --Science & Society

A beautifully written work, whose scope is comparable to those of Immanuel Wallerstein and Fernand Braudel. --American Sociological Association

World history at its best, combining breadth and depth, pattern with detail....A first-class contribution that will become a major reference point in future scholarship. --American Journal of Sociology

Janet L. Abu-Lughodis Professor of Sociology at Northwestern University (Emeritus)