“Economic History of Hanoi in the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries” by Nguyen Thua Hy provides a comprehensive study of Hanoi’s economic development during a crucial period of Vietnamese history, when the city evolved as both a political capital and a dynamic commercial center. Key themes include: Urban and Commercial Growth – The book explores how Hanoi expanded as a hub of trade, handicrafts, and markets, attracting merchants from different regions of Vietnam as well as foreign traders, especially from China and Southeast Asia; Guilds and Craft Production – Special attention is given to the structure of craft guilds, their organization, regulations, and their role in sustaining Hanoi’s reputation for skilled artisanal production in textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and other goods; Agriculture and Supply Networks – The study highlights how Hanoi’s economy was supported by surrounding rural areas, particularly in rice, foodstuffs, and raw materials, creating a symbiotic relationship between city and countryside; Foreign Trade and Influence – Nguyen examines Hanoi’s position in regional and international trade networks, including the impact of shifting relations with China, European merchants, and changing Asian maritime routes; Economic Change under Colonial Impact – The book traces the transformations in Hanoi’s economy as Western colonial penetration and internal political crises in the 19th century reshaped patterns of commerce and production.