Riot and Revelry in Early America

"Riot and Revelry in Early America marks a new level of maturity in our understanding of the popular cultures of early America. The essays clearly demonstrate that early America was an integral part of a broader transatlantic tradition of popular disturbance and celebration. In no small way because of the strength of these essays, after long years in the wings America can now assume its rightful place in the history of transatlantic popular." -Ronald Schultz, University of Wyoming "Riot and Revelry in Early America offers us an engaging reassessment of a well-studied field." -Robert E. Cray, Jr., New York History "Each of these essays has the same depth and subtlety of analysis; each is rich in detail and evocative with fresh ideas. . . . Riot and Revelry is a pleasure to read, and demonstrates, if we need reminding, that the study of American history is still full of surprises" -Michael A. Bellesiles, Journal of American Studies "Riot and Revelry examines the ways in which early Americans used 'rough music,' sometimes called 'skimmington' of 'charivari,' to enforce community standards through vigilante action. The editors . . . have assembled ten outstanding essays that deal with a subject with which most historians have only a passing familiarity." -Andrew McMichael, History: Reviews of New Books "These twelve essays consider rough music, riots, parades, and festivals in early British North America. The authors explicitly draw on methods that French and British cultural historians pioneered and acknowledge their debt to historian Pauline Mair. . . . Consistently lively and readable, this collection will appeal to general and academic audiences of all levels." -L. Sturtz, Choice "Riot and Revelry is an important collection of essays that deserves the attention of the scholarly community." -Gabrielle Gottleib, North Carolina Historical Review "(S)cholars of early America interested in popular culture, popular politics, and festive culture should pick up this stimulating volume. Riot and Revelry in Early America offers detailed case studies with fresh insights into the position of rough music in the colonies, including the nomination of it's appropriate and legitimate uses that involved whole communities and not only the crowds." -Albrecht Koschnik, William and Mary Quarterly "This exciting collection of essays offers a taste of recent scholarship on protest and celebration in early America. In sum, the essays on festive culture in early America serve as models for future study of rough music, with their detailed attention to context and change over time." -Terry Bouton, Journal of American History "Riot and Revelry in Early America marks a new level of maturity in our understanding of the popular cultures of early America. The essays clearly demonstrate that early America was an integral part of a broader transatlantic tradition of popular disturbance and celebration. In no small way because of the strength of these essays, after long years in the wings America can now assume its rightful place in the history of transatlantic popular culture." -Ronald Schultz, University of Wyoming

William Pencak is Professor of History at Penn State University. Matthew Dennis is Associate Professor of History at the University of Oregon. Simon P. Newman is Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and Director of the Andrew Hook Centre for American Studies at the University of Glasgow.