A Cultural History of Money

Format: Mixed media product
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Money holds multifaceted functions, serving as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, a standard of comparison, and a store of wealth. However, its significance extends beyond these practical aspects, as it becomes a conduit for communication, conveying messages about prices, political convictions, authority, loyalty, desire, and contempt. Spanning a remarkable 4,500 years, a collective effort of 54 experts has been compiled into six comprehensive volumes, delving into the intricate complexities of money. Each volume is meticulously edited by individual volume editors, ensuring coherence throughout the entire series. To enhance accessibility, chapter titles are standardized across all volumes, allowing readers to either explore specific periods in one volume or follow thematic threads across history by referencing relevant chapters in each of the six.

The six volumes of this comprehensive work encompass a vast historical spectrum:
1. Antiquity (2500 BCE-500 CE): This volume explores the origins and early development of money, shedding light on the various forms it took and the cultural contexts in which it emerged.
2. Medieval Age (500-1400): This volume delves into the medieval era, examining the role of money in feudal societies, trade, and religious practices.
3. Renaissance (1400-1680): This volume focuses on the Renaissance period, highlighting the economic transformations, artistic advancements, and the emergence of new financial systems.
4. Age of Enlightenment (1680-1820): This volume examines the Age of Enlightenment, focusing on the intellectual and philosophical debates surrounding money, its functions, and its implications for society.
5. Age of Empire (1820-1920): This volume explores the rise of imperialism, the expansion of trade networks, and the emergence of new financial institutions in the context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
6. Modern Age (1920-present): This volume encompasses the modern era, examining the impact of technological advancements, global economic crises, and the evolving nature of money in the contemporary world.

Within these volumes, themes and chapter titles are carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of money's multifaceted aspects. These themes include:
1. Money and its Technologies: This theme explores the technological innovations that have shaped the evolution of money, from the introduction of coins and paper money to the development of digital currencies and financial technologies.
2. Money and its Ideas: This theme examines the philosophical and ideological perspectives on money, exploring the concept of value, scarcity, and the role of money in shaping societies and economies.
3. Money, Ritual, and Religion: This theme explores the religious and ritualistic significance of money, examining how it has been used in religious practices, ceremonies, and as a symbol of power and authority.
4. Money and the Everyday: This theme examines the role of money in everyday life, from purchasing goods and services to managing personal finances and economic decisions.
5. Money, Art, and Representation: This theme explores the artistic and cultural expressions of money, examining how it has been depicted in art, literature, and popular culture.
6. Money and its Interpretation: This theme examines the various ways in which money is interpreted and understood by individuals, institutions, and societies, including economic theories, historical narratives, and cultural perspectives.
7. Money and the Issues of the Age: This theme addresses the contemporary issues and challenges associated with money, such as financial inequality, economic crises, and the impact of money on environmental sustainability.

The Cultural Histories Series, of which The Cultural History of Money is a part, offers a rich and comprehensive exploration of various cultural aspects. Titles in this series are available in both hardcover sets for libraries seeking a tangible reference for their shelves or as part of a fully-searchable digital library. The digital product is accessible to institutions through annual subscriptions or perpetual access on www.bloomsburyculturalhistory.com.

For academics and scholars, individual volumes within the series provide in-depth insights into specific periods, themes, and topics related to money. These volumes are meticulously researched, authored by experts in the field, and offer a wealth of information and analysis for those seeking to deepen their understanding of money's cultural and historical significance.

In conclusion, The Cultural History of Money is a groundbreaking work that spans a vast historical timeline, delving into the multifaceted functions and complexities of money. Through the collective expertise of 54 experts and the thoughtful organization of six volumes, this series offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of money's cultural, historical, and philosophical dimensions. Whether you are an academic, a researcher, or simply interested in understanding the role of money in shaping our world, this series is an invaluable resource that will enrich your knowledge and perspective.

Weight: 2654g
Dimension: 250 x 177 x 70 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350367180