48 pages • 1 hour read
The Cheese And The Worms: The Cosmos Of A Sixteenth-Century Miller
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Book Brief
224
Biography • Nonfiction
Friuli, Italy • 16th century
1980
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Cheese and the Worms: The Cosmos of a Sixteenth-Century Miller by Carlo Ginzburg examines the trial of Menocchio, a 16th-century miller accused of heresy by the Roman Inquisition. The study explores Menocchio’s unique religious beliefs, influenced by texts he read, reflecting broader themes of peasant culture and its interactions with "high" culture. The book discusses historical torture methods and religious intolerance.
Mysterious
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
6,355 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Carlo Ginzburg's The Cheese and the Worms offers a captivating microhistory of a 16th-century miller. Reviewers praise its rich historical detail and innovative perspective on popular culture. Some critique its dense academic language and occasional speculative interpretations. Overall, it remains a seminal and influential work in historical scholarship.
Who Should Read The Cheese And The Worms?
Readers who enjoy The Cheese and the Worms by Carlo Ginzburg are typically fascinated by microhistory, early modern Europe, and the social history of common people. Comparable books include Natalie Zemon Davis's The Return of Martin Guerre and Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie's Montaillou. These readers appreciate detailed cultural studies and the examination of marginalized figures.
6,355 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Domenico Scandella (Menocchio)
Domenico Scandella (Menocchio)
A miller from Friuli whose inquisitorial trials form the core of Ginzburg's study, known for his white clothing and vibrant yet controversial ideas that place him at odds with the Church.
The Inquisitors
The Inquisitors
The religious officials who interrogate Menocchio during his trials, characterized by their opposition to his ideas and their embodiment of the sociopolitical institution of the Inquisition.
224
Biography • Nonfiction
Friuli, Italy • 16th century
1980
Adult
18+ years
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