The close connection between the fortunes of the Medici Bank and the political, economic, and cultural events of the 15th century make this book a major contribution to Renaissance studies. Raymond de Roover discusses the Bank's structure, prefiguring the modern holding company, and its techniques, including double-entry bookkeeping, cartel agreements, and cost accounting, as well as its relations with the Church. Relating his analysis to the culture of the time, the author makes significant use of new material, and takes full advantage of the recently discovered secret account books of the Medici Bank.