Ritual in Early Modern Europe: 33 (New Approaches to European History, Series Number 33) - Softcover

Muir, Edward

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521602408 ISBN 13: 9780521602402

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2005

Synopsis

The comprehensive 2005 study of rituals in early modern Europe argues that between about 1400 and 1700 a revolution in ritual theory took place that utterly transformed concepts about time, the body, and the presence of spiritual forces in the world. Edward Muir draws on extensive historical research to emphasize the persistence of traditional Christian ritual practices even as educated elites attempted to privilege reason over passion, textual interpretation over ritual action, and moral rectitude over gaining access to supernatural powers. Edward Muir discusses wide ranging themes such as rites of passage, carnivalesque festivity, the rise of manners, Protestant and Catholic Reformations, the alleged anti-Christian rituals of Jews and witches. This edition examines the impact on the European understanding of ritual from the discoveries of new civilizations in the Americas and missionary efforts in China and adds more material about rituals peculiar to women.

About this title

Review:

'... coherent, readable, and stimulating ... The book is just the right length for its intended student readership.' Economic History Review

'... an excellent introduction to a wide range of topics that form part of that new history of sensibility, of emotion and experience that now occupies the attention of many early modern historians ... The exposition is clear and systematic and the annotated list of readings is just what undergraduates want. In addition there are judicious comments that constitute original contributions to the field.' History

'... the book remains an extremely important introduction to early modern European ritual studies for students and scholars alike. And it remains a wonderful example of how to write engaging and well-informed history.' Sixteenth Century Journal

Book Description:

This comprehensive 2005 study of the rituals of early modern Europe argues that the period 1400 to 1700 witnessed a revolution in ritual theory. While reformers sought to replace sacraments with the authority of scripture, and despite attempts by intellectuals to dismiss their power, ritual practices endured as much as ever.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0521602408
• ISBN 13: 9780521602402
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 334