War of the Fists

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, governmentand police to this largely uncontrollable, plebeian entertainment.

Davis tells a colorful story with verve and acumen, and couches it comfortably in matters of import for the larger social history of pre-modern Europe.

Robert C. Davis is Assistant Professor of Renaissance Italian History at Ohio State University and the editor of News on the Rialto, a newsletter for Venetian historical studies.