Riot and Revelry in Early America

Riot and Revelry in Early America, Volume 1, examines the role of public performance and popular disturbance in the development of the United States. This history text explores how early American society mirrored transatlantic traditions of celebration and protest. The work analyzes the cultural impact of public gatherings from the Revolution to the Civil War, focusing on how these events shaped social life and customs.

The first section of the book details rough music and skimmington as methods for communities to regulate moral order. The remaining chapters investigate how parades and festivals were used to foster national unity and bridge social divisions. By blending social science with historical criticism, this volume provides a comprehensive look at the riots, popular music, and manners that defined the early American public sphere.