To suggest that cultural assumptions influence economic behaviour is nothing new, but to argue that culture creates economic life is fairly radical. Brodie Waddell implies as much in this provocative, carefully presented book, although his conclusions retreat from the boldness of such an argument. His impressive research focuses not on agricultural, industrial or commercial enterprise, but on the religious, moral and social principles that directed economic activity in the six decades after the Restoration of Charles ii. His findings are consistent with the sources that he has consulted. Sermons and moral tracts argued for ‘good stewardship’ and charity to the poor, condemning private greed and avarice. Religious and popular literature (excellent use is made here of broadsheets) propagated the values of benevolent paternalism and patriarchal governance, but also allowed for redress by petitioning, that is, soliciting favours from a superior through acknowledging one's subordination. Work-based communities – tradesmen's associations, companies and fraternal clubs – promoted solidarity among labouring folk throughout this period. They strove to keep out foreign competitors and to protect local interests, often resorting to strikes, riots and acts of violence. Waddell stresses the general abhorrence of self-interest, ‘possessive individualism’ and what might be seen as modern capitalism, none of which he accepts as significant economic factors. He also casts considerable doubt on the presumed transition from ‘neighbourliness’ to a fragmented, individualistic social order. To be sure, he ignores the greedy merchants and rapacious landlords against whom outraged expressions of moral and communal values were aimed, and he never considers whether the commercial growth of these decades happened because or in spite of such values. Nevertheless, this is an important revisionist work that deserves to be widely read and seriously contemplated by historians.