Books by Edward Muir

Edward Muir traces the origins and development of Venice's reputation for political stability and a strong, balanced republican government, paying close attention to the 16th century, when civic ritual in Venice reached its peak. He shows how the ritualization of society and politics was an important reason for Venice's stability. *Lightning Print On Demand Title

Identifies and recovers the excitement and dynamism that characterized ceremonial culture in pre-modern Europe. This work talks about: the relation between public and private space, the development of fully-realized dramas and rituals from earlier forms, and the semiotic code that ceremonies manifested to their audiences.

Muir explores an era of cultural innovation that promoted free inquiry in the face of philosophical and theological orthodoxy, advocated libertine morals, critiqued the tyranny of aristocratic fathers over their daughters, and expanded the theatrical potential of grand opera. In so doing, he reveals the distinguished past of today's culture wars.