On Ritual: A Microhistorical Approach

Close examination of the actual performance, rather than the ideal form of rituals shows how participants modify the proceedings in ways that serve their own interests, sometimes going so far as to challenge, even subvert the established protocols and traditional values favored by presiding officials. The examples range widely, including a Roman funeral, Mesoamerican healing ceremony, Jewish-American Thanksgiving dinner and others, each of which has its own engaging characters, intricate maneuvers, analytically revealing developments, and moments of high drama.