Publisher's Synopsis
The history of early modern England has too often been characterized by sharp divisions between those adopting particular approaches to the past. More recently, however, historians have sought to integrate social and political history at the intersection of politics and culture. Whether politics is seen as inscribed within a matrix of social relations and cultural assumptions or culture is seen as an expression of political enfranchisement outside of conventional institutional arrangements, subjects and approaches which were once carefully categorized are now becoming mutually illuminating.;Combining the work of major scholars on both sides of the Atlantic this volume seeks to explore the interconnections between popular culture and political activism at both the local and central levels. Strongly influenced by the work of David Underdown, the contributions range across a spectrum of social and political history from witchcraft to the aristocracy, from forest riots to battles of the Civil War. Within this diversity, the contributors offer a cohesive approach to the study of early modern Europe encouraging the exploration of mentalities and political activities, as well as artistic rendering, writing and ceremony, within the widest context of cultural politics.
