Following the posting under 'Transportation' in which merchants were mentioned, I think it is worth having a listing for merchanting activities.
The merchants of course used ships to carry on their trade, whether to the West Indies, East Indies or wherever.
I have researched them a bit, since a few members of my family were merchants, and find the subject very interesting. Two books I have, which I thoroughly recommend are:
Citizens of the World by David Hancock. This gives an in-depth view of a dozen or so merchant families.
The Trade Winds, edited by C. Northcote Parkinson. Contains excellent essays by experts on various aspects of mercantile life, including shipping, insurance etc.
Last edited by chasbaz on Fri May 16, 2008 7:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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