This study investigates the economic and social significance of the medieval English fur trade, focusing specifically on the regulatory role of the Skinners' Company of London. Elspeth Veale utilizes archival records and historical trade data to examine how the fur industry functioned as a complex international network. The work argues that while fur is often associated with aristocratic luxury, its application was widespread across various social strata, reflecting broader shifts in medieval mercantile activity and consumer fashion.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of medieval commerce and social history. Scholars frequently cite the book for its meticulous archival research and its ability to clarify the technical complexities of the medieval skinning trade.