This comprehensive handbook is a fascinating resource for all those interested in the early history of European maritime trade. The highly stimulating volume entices the reader to undertake a magnificent journey to visit important maritime ports and thus to rethink the early stages of European integration.Jüri Kivimäe, University of Toronto, Canada This volume is a much needed synthesis of European Medieval Maritime trade, which presents an up to date state of the art of this active field. Its detailed case-studies and comparative framework will be useful both for students and for scholars.Maria Fusaro, University of Exeter, UK