John Isham, Mercer and Merchant Adventurer. Two account books of a London merchant in the reign of Elizabeth I

Notes:

Transcription of two account books, c1558-65, c1571-80, and, as an appendix, of inventory of the estate of Gregory Isham, 1558. But especially notable for lengthy introductory essay about the Isham family, John Isham and the latter's trading activities and procedures [pp xi-cxii]. This has sections: 'Gregory Isham and the origins of the Isham firm'; 'Purchase and export of woollen cloth'; 'Import of merceries and the exchange dealings'; 'John Isham's capital. Its origins and employment'; 'Credit, bookkeeping and bankruptcy'; 'Mercers and merchants (sic) adventurers'; 'Mercers' Hall, City and court'; 'Henry Isham and his colleagues at the Custom House'; 'Retirement of John Isham from the City'; 'Structure of the Isham firm'; 'Nature and significance of the account books'