This book offers the first comprehensive study of economic conditions and economic life in Roman cities during the late Republic and early Empire. By employing a sophisticated methodology based upon comparative evidence and contemporary economic theory; the author develops interlocking arguments about the relationship between four key attributes of urban economic life in Roman antiquity: the nature and magnitude of consumer demand; the structure of urban labour markets; the strategies devised by urban artisans in their efforts to navigate their social and economic environments; and the factors that served to limit both the overall performance of the Roman economy; and its potential for intensive growth. While the author's methodology and conclusions will be of particular interest to specialists in economic history; other readers will profit from his discussion of topics such as slavery and manumission; the economic significance of professional associations; and the impact of gender on economic behaviour.
#1537240 in Books 2017-01-03Original language:English 7.08 x .45 x 4.92l; #File Name: 0998059307164 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful glimpse into the struggle for freedom!By C. MillerExcellent insight into the lesser known heroes who fought against all odds for the independence of our nation. This book is well researched and very entertaining. A great read for all those with an interest in the American Revolution!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nice readBy JerseyGmomWell written!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Stories of the American Revolution; rescued from the pastBy RichFrom his opening overview of the "Ten Crucial Days" of the American Revolutionary War - from December 25; 1776 to January 3; 1777 - author David Price immediately establishes his credibility as a researcher and a writer by providing a careful and compelling case that the First and Second Battles of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton were transformational events that "could lay plausible claim to being the most important fought by American soldiers."After a series of disheartening defeats; the Continental Army retreated south from New York through New Jersey and barely escaped the pursuing and emboldened British Army by crossing the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. The Continental Army is dispirited and on the verge of collapse. The stage is now set: it is time for unsung patriot heroes to come forward to rescue the American revolution from impending failure.While noting with respect the larger; broader; impact of "bold and imaginative leadership on the part of George Washington and his fellow Generals" in achieving American success during the Ten Crucial Days; Rescuing the Revolution: Unsung Patriot Heroes and the Ten Crucial Days of America's War for Independence engages the reader by focusing on the unique and dramatic efforts of nine individuals of various backgrounds who have made the history books only sparingly. Until now.Who maneuvered Durham boats loaded with soldiers and artillery of the Continental Army through ice flows swirling on a stormy Christmas night on the Delaware River to mount an attack on Hessian forces in Trenton? An experienced mariner from the coastal town of Marblehead; MA.Who distracted a Hessian Colonel and his troops to Mount Holly; just far enough away from Trenton to weaken the main garrison that otherwise may have defeated the Continental Army at the First Battle of Trenton? An attractive widow whose identity remains unknown to this day.Who improvised a strategic artillery placement that stopped the British infantry from turning the Battle of Princeton into a route of retreating American units? A 62 year-old soldier from the docks of Philadelphia.Price draws out the details of these stories and those of other individuals who; at crucial junctures; helped turn extreme adversity and hardship into victories for the Continental Army that were significant enough to drive British troops from New Jersey; rally American spirits; and help turn the course of the war. Individuals undertaking bold adventures; seizing initiatives; and taking tremendous risks; were a valuable part of the creation of a new; unprecedented; and exuberant American nation; and their stories deserve the kind of thoughtful; deliberate; and engaging expression provided by Rescuing the Revolution.The author's decades of experience as a research analyst; and his current experience as an historical interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania; are at full display here in a book that is extremely well written; well documented; and especially earnest in establishing accuracy. Price points out which parts of the nine stories cannot be known with certainty and carefully notes certain situations in which historians have promoted alternative theories of events. The sources of material are varied and extensively footnoted; providing confidence that these inspiring stories can be accepted as documented but largely unexplored episodes of the Ten Crucial Days.Rescuing the Revolution is a short book; due in part to Price's clear; concise writing style that makes every word count. He acknowledges that the book covers "... a small but representative sample of the actors who made important contributions in relation to the military events of this period...". This is a fine premise and it suggests opportunities await for further historical explorations of other unsung patriot heroes. Given Mr. Price's evident skill and his feel for this historical era; it is hoped that he will follow his first effort as an author with additional; similar works; or perhaps works of longer duration.
