English Population History from Family Reconstitution 1580-1837 (Cambridge Studies in Population, Economy & Society in Past Time)

English Population History from Family Reconstitution is the most important single contribution to British historical demography since Wrigley and Schofield's Population History of England and Wales. This complementary study demonstrates the success of family reconstitution in obtaining accurate information about the demography of past populations. In the context of a general analysis of nuptiality, mortality, and fertility history of England, data from 26 parish registers is described and the advantages and disadvantages of the technique of reconstitution are discussed. The authors show clearly that the results of their sample are representative of the demographic situation of the country at large. This is an essential source of information for all social historians.