Manchester University Press - States of enmity

State of enmity explores how relations of hatred and enmity played political and social roles in the early modern Kingdom of Naples. Exploring the pervasive notion of enmity and practices of reconciliation, the book provides new insight into the social dynamics of southern Italy in the early modern period. In particular, widespread banditry and the violent tenor of local politics are analysed through a wide variety of criminal trials and other sources.

Reviews

'This fascinating volume represents a significant contribution to the study of early modern history in the Kingdom of Naples. Through a series of meticulously researched and thoughtfully presented case studies, "States of Enmity" investigates the cultural and anthropological framework that influenced the dynamics of hatred, vendetta, law-breaking, dissent, peace-making and religious devotion. As the author convincingly shows, these factors played a crucial role in defining the connections and distances between the provinces of the Kingdom and the centres of power in the capital, Naples.'
Lorenza Gianfrancesco, University of Chichester

Introduction: Enmity and Peace in the Kingdom of Naples
1 Contours of vendetta and violence in the Kingdom of Naples
2 The 'abominable traffic': negotiating justice, money and blood
3 The politics of enmity in the provinces
4 Bandits and the politics of enmity
5 Jesuit missions and the emotional politics of enmity and peace-making
6 The politics of hatred in the aftermath of 1647-8
Conclusion
Index