Going the Distance: Eurasian Trade and the Rise of the Business Corporation, 1400-1700

Ron Harris delves into the intricate tapestry of global trade between 1400 and 1700, exploring how the burgeoning Eurasian trade routes dramatically reshaped economic practices and societal structures. Through meticulous research, he uncovers the various influences—political, technological, and cultural—that converged to foster the rise of the business corporation, laying the groundwork for modern commerce.

Harris paints a vivid picture of merchants navigating the complexities of trade across continents, revealing not just the mechanics of their transactions but also the profound impacts on local and global economies. The narrative traces the evolution of trade from individual undertakings into organized ventures, highlighting how this transformation set the stage for corporate entities that would come to dominate the business landscape. It's a compelling examination of a pivotal era that redefined wealth, power, and international relations, showing how the ambition of trade led to far-reaching consequences.