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A review by farahmendlesohn
Faith, Hope and Charity: English Neighbourhoods, 1500-1640 by Andy Wood
5.0
Disclosure: Andy is a friend.
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I've come late to early modern history, but have been reading widely for the past few years. This is that rare thing, a very definitely academic book that is easily accessible to anyone interested. Wood takes a very straightforward approach. Make an assertion and then pile up the evidence around it. The result is fascinating and *contextualised* annecdotes that add up to more than the some of there parts.
There are inspiring sections--both men and women ganging up to prevent domestic abuse--and depressing ones--the blind eye turned to people dying in the streets, the turning out of pregnant women. In many ways the callousness of the 17th century is replicated in our own time, we've just figured out how to make it more visible.
Wood reminds us of how much neighbourhood and neighbourliness was a double edged sword: for some it provided a safety net, but it was exclusive as well as inclusive, and it demanded conformity.
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I've come late to early modern history, but have been reading widely for the past few years. This is that rare thing, a very definitely academic book that is easily accessible to anyone interested. Wood takes a very straightforward approach. Make an assertion and then pile up the evidence around it. The result is fascinating and *contextualised* annecdotes that add up to more than the some of there parts.
There are inspiring sections--both men and women ganging up to prevent domestic abuse--and depressing ones--the blind eye turned to people dying in the streets, the turning out of pregnant women. In many ways the callousness of the 17th century is replicated in our own time, we've just figured out how to make it more visible.
Wood reminds us of how much neighbourhood and neighbourliness was a double edged sword: for some it provided a safety net, but it was exclusive as well as inclusive, and it demanded conformity.