Popular Culture in Early Modern Europe (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: craftsman culture, regressive method, Early Modern Europe, The Triumph of Lent, Traditional Forms (more...)

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Product Description

Long neglected by historians, the concept of cultural history has in the last few decades come to the fore of historical research into early modern Europe. Due in no small part to the pioneering work of Peter Burke, the tools of the cultural historian are now routinely brought to bear on every aspect of history, and have transformed our understanding of the past.First published in 1978, this study examines the broad sweep of pre-industrial Europe's popular culture. From the world of the professional entertainer to the songs, stories, rituals and plays of ordinary people, it shows how the attitudes and values of the otherwise inarticulate shaped - and were shaped by - the shifting social, religious and political conditions of European society between 1500 and 1800.This third edition of Peter Burke's groundbreaking study has been published to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the book's publication in 1978. It provides a new introduction reflecting the growth of cultural history, and its increasing influence on 'mainstream' history, as well as an extensive supplementary bibliography which further adds to the information about new research in the area.

About the Author

Peter Burke is a Professor at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 472 pages
• Publisher: Ashgate; 3rd Revised edition edition (May 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754665070
• ISBN-13: 978-0754665076
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #789,589 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating look at the culture of the people, April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Popular Culture in Early Modern Europe (Paperback)

In this highly interesting work, Peter Burke sets out "to describe and interpret the popular culture of early modern Europe," and he does it in such a way as to be accessible to the general reader. Burke is attempting a synthesis of all of European culture from 1500 to 1800 (i.e., until the beginnings of industrialization). His thesis is that there is such a thing as popular culture (what he terms "little tradition"), transmitted informally and shared by both elites and commoners at the close of the Middle Ages. However, with the coming of the Reformation and especially the Renaissance, the educated few, who share in the "great tradition," are driven to separate themselves from the "common", "unchristian"," or "immoral" customs of the people. This entire process ends with the return of the elite to "discover" popular culture again for a variety of reasons: antiquarianism, curiousity, nationalism, etc. Perhaps the most valuable part of the book is Burke's intelligent discussion of his method (folklorist, literary critical, and socio-anthropological), his nuanced two-tiered model of culture (great and little), and his honest discussion of the problems of the sources for popular culture. Other interesting parts of the book include chapters on the transmitters of popular culture (Ch. 4); culture ideals expressed through heroes, villains, and fools (Ch. 6), the world of Carnival as the most important ritual setting for popular culture (Ch. 7), and the reforming attacks on Carnival by the educated elite through the institution of Lent (Ch. 8). For information about specific locales and times, this book can't compare to the precision of focused studies. However, despite the fact that this book was written over 20 years ago, it still makes an excellent introduction to the study of popular culture. It also provides a context to give particular events meaning, something that most specific studies simply can't do. Burke's style and thought are clear and highly interesting. A must read for anyone interested in the world of early modern Europe.