Explore "Sticks and Stokes" by Lewis Mumford on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
CHAPTER I
The transformation of European society and its material shell that took place during the period we call the Renaissance is associated with the breakup of the town economy and its replacement by a mercantile economy devoted to the advantage of the State. Along with this goes the destruction of the village community, and the predominance in social affairs of a landholding oligarchy who have thrown off feudal responsibilities while they have retained most of the feudal privileges, and a merchant class, buttressed by riches derived from war, piracy, and sharp trade.