The field of economic history has enjoyed something of a renaissance recently given the quantitative turn in economics. Important lessons for today can be learned from the collection and analysis of historical data, and the tools of economics are providing important new findings about history. Professor Paul Sharp is recognized at home and abroad as a leading authority on Danish economic history, and he currently heads the Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG) at the Department of Business and Economics, SDU. In this lecture, Paul will give an overview of his research agenda. His work challenges traditional narratives about Danish history, and at the same time provides significant lessons for other countries seeking to mimic the Danish development path.