English Agriculture and Estate Management Instructions, 1200–1700: From Orality to Textuality to Modern Instructions

Abstract

This article discusses the history and development of English agriculture and estate management instructions, 1200–1700, as these shifted from oral to textual forms. Beginning with manuscript treatises that influenced important instruction books printed in the 16th century, the article shows how major agricultural writers developed instructions for a range of users. By the close of the 17th century, agricultural and estate management books exemplified increasingly modern presentation and style.