Craft Gilds

By: William Cunningham

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eBook | 1 September 2025

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Craft Gilds is a comprehensive historical study by Lewis Francis Salzman, exploring the origins, development, and significance of craft gilds in medieval Europe. The book delves into the intricate organization and regulation of these associations, which played a crucial role in shaping the economic, social, and political landscape of the Middle Ages. Salzman meticulously examines the structure of craft gilds, their rules and customs, and the ways in which they governed the training, conduct, and quality of work among artisans and tradesmen. Through detailed analysis, the book highlights the gilds' influence on trade practices, apprenticeship systems, and the protection of both members and consumers. It also addresses the relationship between craft gilds and municipal authorities, their role in community life, and their eventual decline with the rise of modern economic systems. Drawing on a wealth of historical sources, Craft Gilds offers readers an in-depth understanding of the complexities and enduring legacy of these medieval institutions, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in economic history, social organization, and the evolution of labor and trade.