“An immensely ambitious work in the classic tradition of historically-conceived sociology … A Millennium of Family Change provides a magisterial history of peasant and proletarian family relations in northwestern Europe.”—Chris Middleton, Sociology
“Readers are sure to be impressed by the breadth of Seccombe’s reading, the clarity and precision of his writing, and incisiveness of his critiques of recent literature … his sensitivity to gender and his thoughtful discussions of peasant and protoindustrial household power dynamics”—Steven Mintz, Journal of Social History
“Modes of production, demography, feminist theory—a heady mix. Seccombe’s historical and comparative account of European family formation is lively and challenging, bringing together a diverse literature to build a powerful synthesis.”—Louise Tilly, New School for Social Research
“Will go a long way to answer some of the criticism feminists have made concerning ‘male dominated’ family research … a must for every serious student of the family and social change”—Lawrence G. Felice, Social Science Quarterly
“One can only admire Seccombe’s enthusiasm, erudition and drive and his ability to synthesize a vast range of dispute issues.”—Roderick Phillips, Contemporary Sociology
“[A] stimulating and engaging argument … Scholars will be forced to grapple with Seccombe’s contentions for decades; the Laslett thesis has been offered its most sustained challenge.”—Bryan D. Palmer, International Labor and Working Class History