States of Enmity

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Focusing on interpersonal enmity and peace-making, this work delves into seventeenth-century southern Italy, particularly Spanish Naples. It highlights the complex dynamics of hatred and reconciliation among various societal figures, including bandits, soldiers, feudal lords, and vassals. By utilizing criminal court records, the book provides an intimate look at the era's notorious violence, including homicide and banditry, while examining how public enmity influenced local politics and the central state's governance. It sheds light on the violent nature of the Kingdom of Naples during this period.