The War of the Fists explores early modern Venetian society through the lens of the festive combat which involved all classes, but especially the city's more marginal workers. It employs four different topical approaches: the social geography of Venetian factionalism; the structure of combat itself; the festive world which grew up around the encounters, providing workers with an alternative society of their own; and the response of the Venetian patriciate, government
and police to this largely uncontrollable, plebeian entertainment.
- ISBN10 0195084047
- ISBN13 9780195084047
- Publish Date 19 May 1994 (first published 10 March 1994)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
- Format Paperback
- Pages 240
- Language English