This book deals with a subject which is central to the economic, social and political history of the world, and to several of the most influential ways of interpreting this history. In his study of the role of markets from antiquity to the present day, Richard Hodges examines the nature of markets, of exchange, and the significance of markets in peasant, proto-capitalist and capitalist societies. The first part of the book looks at the definition and origins of markets. In particular, it assesses change and commerce in pre-state societies. The next section focuses on peasant markets, marketing and the media of exchange. It discusses, for example, what it was like to be part of such an economic institution and how embracing this system was. Finally, Richard Hodges considers whether the rise of capitalism led to the decline or even demise of peasant markets. This book is for students and specialists in early modern history, historical sociology, anthropology and economics.