This book provides a collective view of the five major English chartered trading companies which were active during the period 1688-1763: The East India Company, the Royal African Company, the Hudson's Bay Company, The Levant Company, and the Russia Company. Using both archival and secondary sources, this monograph fills in some of the knowledge gaps concerning the less well-studied companies, and examines the interconnections between international rivalry, the financial operations of the companies, and politics which have not featured prominently in the historiography.
Michael Wagner is the author of more than 90 books for children which include the much loved Maxx Rumble series (20 books), six books about a delightfully silly and warm-hearted family called The Undys, the CBCA Honour Picture Book of the Year, Dirt by Sea, Why I Love Footy, Why I Love Summer, Bear Make Den (co-written with his partner, Jane Godwin) and many more. He's also self-published a handful of titles including: Pig Dude, Family Hugs and the So Wrong series.
Prior to becoming a children’s author, Michael worked for ten years as radio broadcaster with the ABC, wrote and produced award-winning animation, penned everything from advertising copy to songs and comedy, and grew up in a Housing Commission flat.