Portugal in a European Context: Essays on Taxation and Fiscal Policies in Late Medieval and Early Modern Western Europe, 1100-1700

This book explores the development of the Portuguese fiscal state in a comparative context, drawing on research from other European kingdoms. It fills a gap in the literature on the fiscal state, providing a detailed reconstruction of state finance in Portugal from the medieval to the early modern period and making recent research from Portuguese scholars available to a wider international audience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 331 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Portugal, a pioneering European state renowned for its stable borders, presents a captivating journey of fiscal state formation that demands thorough exploration. Despite its early establishment, the intricate process of shaping Portugal's fiscal landscape remains largely unexplored. This comprehensive volume aims to rectify this oversight by bringing together a diverse range of studies that examine the evolution of the Portuguese fiscal state within a comparative framework, juxtaposing it with other kingdoms across Europe. These kingdoms include Castile and Aragon, England, Tuscany, the Papal States, Holland, and France. By integrating Portugal into this broader international discourse, the book seeks to shed light on the unique characteristics and developments of the Portuguese fiscal state, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of fiscal state formation in Europe.

The book's approach is multi-faceted, drawing upon the latest theoretical insights and comparative methodologies to unravel the complexities of Portuguese fiscal history. It adopts a longitudinal perspective, spanning from the medieval era to the early modern period, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the state's financial evolution. This chronological framework enables a deeper understanding of the factors that shaped Portugal's fiscal policies, institutions, and revenue streams, shedding light on the strategies employed by the Portuguese government to consolidate its power, maintain stability, and foster economic growth.

Furthermore, the book endeavors to make the latest research from Portuguese scholars accessible to a wider, international audience. It includes contributions from esteemed scholars who have delved into various aspects of Portuguese fiscal history, offering fresh perspectives and insights that challenge existing narratives. By presenting these scholarly works, the book fosters dialogue and collaboration among researchers and students from different regions, promoting a deeper understanding of fiscal state development and its historical implications.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking endeavor that fills a significant gap in the literature on fiscal state development. By combining theoretical frameworks, comparative analysis, and a detailed reconstruction of Portuguese fiscal history, it offers a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of the Portuguese fiscal state within a broader European context. It will be of immense value to researchers, students, and scholars interested in financial and economic history, as well as those seeking to understand the complex dynamics of state formation and governance.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 216 x 154 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031062261
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023