The Wealth of the Gentry. Alan Simpson

Originally published in 1961, this book provides a series of narratives illustrating the financial situation of the East Anglian gentry in the period between the dissolution of the monasteries and the civil wars. Based on extensive research of estate documents, the narratives focus on specific cases in detail, using tables and extensive notes to back up observations. Indices of places, persons and subjects are also contained at the end of the text. This is a highly readable book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in regional history, economic history and the gentry.