Reviewed by Richard K. Fleischman John Carroll University
The title of the book, coupled with the vivid reproduction of Barbari’s famous portrait of Pacioli on its jacket, conveys the impression that the reader will be treated to a monograph on the European origins of accounting. That expectation is not realized, however, as only the last chapter before the conclusion [“Bookkeeping,” pp. 199-233] is dedicated to accounting history topics. Furthermore, that single chapter deals only with the famous friar (at considerable length) and Datini (more briefly). Although the dates provided suggest an inclusion of the exploits of the Medicis, Plantin, the Bracci, Francisco del Bene, the Fuggers, and others, these early pioneers are scarcely mentioned. Moreover, this chapter suffers a diminution of the high research standard that characterizes the remainder of the volume. As the author himself admits, the analysis of the Summa is based ahnost entirely on the work of Taylor [1980] and Brown & Johnston [1984]. Consequently, Crosby’s interpretation lacks the breadth and cogency of other recent work of this genre, as, for example, Macve’s chapter on Pacioli in Lee, Bishop, & Parker [1996].
It is unfortunate that the book’s weakest chapter would be the very one of greatest interest to accounting historians. Indeed, the background Crosby provides through the remainder of the book describing the intellectual climate within which Pacioli wrote is of great value. The author demonstrates convincingly the remarkable transition in Europe from a society almost without hope to one that based its emerging culture, culminating in the Renaissance, on the calculation and quantification of its reality. This transition is richly illustrated in chapters dedicated to changing European perceptions of time and space, accompanied by resultant achievements in mathematics, music, painting, and, last but sadly least, bookkeeping.
Crosby writes with a vibrant style that has earned him high honors for previous books and perhaps for this offering as well. His research for the chapters other than the one on bookkeeping is impressive and reflective of his pedigree as a history professor at the University of Texas, Austin (visiting at Yale). The number of historical actors that appear on his stage is staggering. Though having myself instructed medieval history for many years, I confess to knowledge of only about half of the figures encountered in this historical panorama. The book was a humbling but valuable learning experience for me. I marvel at its flowing style and erudition.
In conclusion, I accord the book my highest recommendation for readers with considerable background in medieval studies who wish to grapple with a thought-provoking, yet highly entertaining masterpiece of historical narrative. However, within the more limited confines of pure accounting history, aficionados will find less of value.
REFERENCES
Brown, R. G. and Johnston, K. S. (trans., eds.). Pacioli on Accounting. New York: Garland Publishing, 1984.
Macve, R. H. “Pacioli’s Legacy” in Lee, T. A., Bishop, A., and Parker, R. H., Accounting History from the Renaissance to the Present: A Rememberance of Luca Pacioli. New York: Garland Publishing, 1996: 3-30.
Taylor, R. E. No Royal Road: Luca Pacioli and His Time. New York:
