The culture of insurgents in early modern Europe was primarily an oral one; memories of social conflicts in the communities affected were passed on through oral forms such as songs and legends. This popular history continued to influence political choices and actions through and after the early modern period. The chapters in this book examine numerous examples from across Europe of how memories of revolt were perpetuated in oral cultures, and they analyse how traditions were used. From the German Peasants' War of 1525 to the counter-revolutionary guerrillas of the 1790s, oral traditions can offer radically different interpretations of familiar events. This is a 'history from below', and a history from song, which challenges existing historiographies of early modern revolts.
The culture of insurgents in early modern Europe was primarily an oral one; memories of social conflicts were passed on through oral forms such as songs and legends. This popular history influenced political choices and actions through and after the early modern period. This book examines many examples of how memories of revolt were perpetuated in oral culture, and analyses how traditions were used. From the German Peasants' War of 1525 to the counter-revolutionary guerrillas of the 1790s, oral traditions can offer radically different interpretations of familiar events. This is a 'history from below', which challenges existing historiographies of early modern revolts.¿
'This substantial and impressive volume is exceptionally well-constructed, covering a wide range of relevant material. This is an intellectually coherent, interesting and important collection which should make an impact and be consulted for many years to come.'
Andrew Hadfield, University of Sussex, UK
This is a book abundant in fascinating case studies, creative collisions, and consistently ferocious scholarship by both its editors and contributors. It is provocative in the best possible sense, asking stimulating questions and providing enough evidence of its claims to energize a major field of historical enquiry.
Oskar Cox Jensen - Folk Music Journal
