An alphabetically arranged encyclopedia designed as a reference tool for those wishing to learn about trade in history and its impact on social and political issues in given periods. Treating the subject across time, from the ancient world to the present, the 450 topical, biographical, and broad-issue essays cover a variety of topics, from specific countries, regions, and continents to trade organizations, such as the Hanseatic League and World Trade Organization, to biographical entries for those who have influenced world commerce, such as Christopher Columbus and Peter the Great.

Written for high school or beginning undergraduate students, this four-volume reference valiantly attempts to provide a historical framework for the perhaps overly broad concept of world trade. Entry topics were selected on trade organizations, influential people, commodities, events that affected trade, trade routes, navigation, religion, communic