Murder and Madness on Trial: A Tale of True Crime from Early Modern Bologna

On October 24, 1588, Paolo Barbieri murdered his wife, Isabella Caccianemici, by stabbing her with his sword. This book by Mònica Calabritto reconstructs his life, prosecution, and medical diagnoses, exploring the controversy of whether he was criminally insane or pretending. It combines archival documents from Italy to reveal the case of one person and their family as insanity ravaged their financial security, honor, and reputation. The book also examines discrepancies between medical and legal definitions of mental state at the time of a crime and bridges the micro-historical dimensions of the murder case and the macro-historical perspectives on medical and legal evidence. It is a tragic and gripping tale that appeals to early modern historians and true crime fans alike.

Format: Hardback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

On October 24, 1588, Paolo Barbieri, a prominent figure in 16th-century Italian society, committed a heinous act that shocked the nation. He murdered his wife, Isabella Caccianemici, by stabbing her to death with his sword. At first, Paolo claimed that he had acted in a fit of madness, unable to control his actions. However, the question remained: Was he truly criminally insane, or was he merely pretending to be?

In her captivating book, "Murder and Madness on Trial," Mònica Calabritto delves into this controversial topic, reconstructing the life, prosecution, and medical diagnoses of Paolo Barbieri. Through a meticulous combination of archival documents unearthed throughout Italy, Calabritto sheds light on the case of one person and his family as insanity wreaked havoc on their financial security, honor, and reputation. The very concept of insanity becomes a central focus in Paolo's case, as it is put on trial alongside the defendant himself.

This book serves as a case study in the diagnosis of insanity in the early modern era, highlighting the discrepancies between medical and legal definitions of a person's mental state at the time of a crime. Barbieris story reveals the complexities and challenges faced by those attempting to understand and classify mental illness during this period. It explores the interplay between medical expertise, legal proceedings, and societal perceptions of madness, providing a deep insight into the complexities of early modern criminal justice.

"Murder and Madness on Trial" bridges the micro-historical dimensions of Paolo's murder case and the macro-historical perspectives on medical and legal evidence used to identify intermittent madness. By examining the broader societal context in which the crime occurred, Calabritto offers a broader understanding of the social and cultural factors that influenced the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.

This tragic and gripping tale allows readers to peer "through a glass darkly" at the violence, madness, criminal justice, medical and legal expertise, and the construction and circulation of news during the early modern era. It provides a sobering reflection on the human condition and the challenges faced by individuals and societies in navigating the complexities of mental health.

"Murder and Madness on Trial" is an erudite and engaging book that will appeal to early modern historians and true crime fans alike. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of a pivotal period in history, providing valuable insights into the complexities of mental illness, criminal justice, and societal attitudes towards the supernatural.

Weight: 399g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271095080