Popular Culture in Early Modern Europe

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.