This book illustrates how social institutions affected the economic development of rural communities.

Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction; 2. The proto-industrialization debate; 3. Social institutions in early modern Württemberg; 4. The Black Forest worsted industry; 5. The finances of the proto-industrial guild; 6. Labour supply and entry restrictions; 7. Production volume and output controls; 8. Population growth and the family; 9. Corporate groups and economic development; 10. Corporatism and conflict; 11. Proto-industry and social institutions in Europe; 12. Conclusion; Bibliography, Index.