Thomas V. Cohen

Professor Cohen is a master of “microhistory”, the study of records of small places or small events to illuminate larger themes. This book is an excellent example of just such an endeavor. Professor Cohen traces six court cases through the Renaissance courts of Rome. In doing so, he gives the reader insight into the justice system, the agency of ordinary women, the ups and downs of paper court life, etc.

Some of the stories are heartbreaking, like “Lost Love and a Handkerchief”, which is about the desire of a young man for a girl who may—or may not—want to become a nun. “The Lady Lives, the Pigeon Dies” is an example of early forsenic science in the court system. Was someone poisoned? Only the pigeon knows!… (més)