Synopses & Reviews
The first comprehensive study of rituals in early modern Europe, this book 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. In this work of synthesis Professor Muir draws on the extensive anthropology-inspired historical research that has been published during the past twenty years, and emphasizes the persistence of traditional Christian ritual practices even as educated elites attempted to privilege reason over passion, textual interpretation over ritual action, and personal moral rectitude over gaining access to supernatural powers. The themes discussed by Professor Muir are wide-ranging and include rites of passage, carnivalesque festivity, Protestant and Catholic Reformations, and the alleged anti-Christian rituals of Jews and witches.
Review
"...Muir's account is concise, well crafted, and definitely authoritative." Robert B. Luehrs, History"Edward Muir's book will prove, exceedingly useful to seminar classes involving themes of popular culture, religious reform, and ritual. Muir has managed to bring together in a lucid and illuminating way the large quantity of very diverse information on ritual practices that has emerged from recent research on popular culture in early modern Europe." Pamela H. Smith, Central European History"...Muir has written a superlative study that surpasses previous work in the field and constitutes the definitive introduction to the history of rituals and their place in early modern European popular culture." Steven G. Renhardt, Journal of Interdisciplinary History"Edward Muir has provided historians, historical theologians, and liturgists with a provocative new textbook for teaching European history and the history of Christian thought between 1400 and 1700. ...this volume is geared for use in upper-level undergraduate classes and seminars as well as graduate and seminary classes. It functions best as a textbook because of its intentionally limited footnotes and selected (though helpful) bibliography. Muir's work similarly provides an excellent text for use in interdisciplinary seminars such as anthropology and history. It will provide the reader--whether student or teacher --much to consider." Todd E. Johnson, Church History"Muir's book will be useful in various undergraduate sociology courses. Anyone interested in the social history of ritual and its role in historical and theoretical change will find this well-written book worthwhile." Anne Kane, American Journal of Sociology"A superb textbook, written by one of the preeminent historians of the Early Modern period, this book should be required reading for every student of Early Modern history and literature." Susie Sutch, Journal of Ritual Studies
Synopsis
A comprehensive study of the ritual practices in traditional Christian Europe.
Synopsis
This comprehensive study of rituals in early modern Europe draws on extensive historical research to argue 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. The Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century constituted a massive theoretical assault on many ritual practices as reformers attempted to replace sacraments with the authority of scripture. However, while intellectuals came to disparage their power, ritual practices endured as much as ever.
Synopsis
This comprehensive 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.