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The history of entrepreneurship: Medieval origins of a modern phenomenon

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  • Mark Casson
  • Catherine Casson

Abstract

The origins of enterprise are often associated with the Industrial Revolution, but this article presents evidence of entrepreneurial activities from a much earlier date - the medieval period. Between 1250 and 1500 the church, merchants and members of the royal court all engaged in activities that demonstrated the entrepreneurial characteristics of innovation, risk-taking and judgement. The activities of the prior of Tynemouth and the career of the wool merchant William de la Pole illustrate these developments. By focusing on individuals rather than firms, it is possible to push back the study of entrepreneurship beyond the Industrial Revolution and early-modern trade to a period that witnessed the origins of the modern state.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Casson & Catherine Casson, 2014. "The history of entrepreneurship: Medieval origins of a modern phenomenon," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(8), pages 1223-1242, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:56:y:2014:i:8:p:1223-1242
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2013.867330
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert B. Ekelund Jr. & Robert F. Hebert & Robert D. Tollison, 2008. "The Marketplace of Christianity," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262550717, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alessandro Nuvolari & Pier Angelo Toninelli & Michelangelo Vasta, 2018. "What makes a successful (and famous) entrepreneur? Historical evidence from Italy (XIX-XX centuries)," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 27(3), pages 425-447.
    2. Zavodny Pospisil Jan & Zavodna Lucie Sara, 2022. "An Insight to the World of Female Entrepreneurship: Systematic Literature Review of the Phenomenon using the Mckinsey 7S Model," Foundations of Management, Sciendo, vol. 14(1), pages 51-66, January.
    3. Nancy J. Hodges & Albert N. Link, 2019. "Innovation by design," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 52(2), pages 395-403, February.
    4. Matt Raven, 2022. "Wool smuggling from England's eastern seaboard, c. 1337–45: An illicit economy in the late middle ages," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 75(4), pages 1182-1213, November.

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