The study of the economic history of Islamic lands before 1800 has lagged behind the political, diplomatic and social history of the same area. This book covers three large topics: land, trades and money. It proposes entirely new perspectives on the non-European experience of ordinary people. This is a view from the inside about economic realities, suggesting ways to understand economic history in a social and cultural context. The first of its kind, it will be of vital use to all students of the area.