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  • Textbook
  • © 2004

Church, Religion and Society in Early Modern Italy

  • One of the first studies in English to document the attempts to reform church organization and religious society in early modern Italy
    Provides a synthesis of recent scholarship, modern literature and archival research on the subject
    Offers a balanced interpretation of the work of the Inquisition

Part of the book series: European Studies (EUROSTUD)

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Table of contents (11 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxiii
  2. The Council of Trent and Bases for Continuing Reform

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 19-36
  3. Episcopal Leadership

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 62-85
  4. Parish Priests and Parishioners

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 86-111
  5. Religious Education

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 112-129
  6. Confraternities, Hospitals and Philanthropy

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 130-148
  7. Nunneries and Religious Women

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 149-170
  8. Repression and Control

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 171-196
  9. Churches, Cultural Enticement and Display

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 197-222
  10. Conclusions: Successes and Failures

    • Christopher F. Black
    Pages 223-228
  11. Back Matter

    Pages 229-315

About this book

Many Italians in the early sixteenth century challenged Church authority and orthodoxy, stimulated by religious 'Reformation' debates and the lack of agreement on alternatives to Rome's leadership. This book surveys and analyses the various positive and negative responses which led to a re-formation of Church institutions, and parish life for the lay population, especially after the Council of Trent in 1563.

Church, Religion and Society in Early Modern Italy:
- discusses the roles of bishops and parochial clergy, seminaries and religious education
- examines religious orders and lay confraternities, particularly in relation to 'good works' or philanthropy
- explains the varied uses of the visual arts, music, processions and festivities to enthuse and educate the laity
- pays special attention to two controversial issues: the Inquisition's role and the stricter enclosure of nuns

Comprehensive yet approachable, Christopher F. Black's volume incorporates diverse religious practices and experiences, and explores the successes and failures of reform throughout mainland Italy during a period of religious and social upheaval.

About the author

CHRISTOPHER F. BLACK is Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Glasgow, UK.

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Church, Religion and Society in Early Modern Italy

  • Authors: Christopher F. Black

  • Series Title: European Studies

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-230-80196-7

  • Publisher: Red Globe Press London

  • eBook Packages: Palgrave History Collection, History (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2004

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XXIII, 315

  • Additional Information: Previously published under the imprint Palgrave

  • Topics: History of Italy