The History of the Surprising Rise and Sudden Fall of Masaniello: the fisherman of Naples, who, in the space of four days raised 150,000 people in arms; and in two days more made himself governor, or King of Naples. Containing very exact and impartial accounts of the whole tumults and insurrections that happened there in the month of July 1647, by reason of the tax laid upon fruit, and other burthensome taxes.

[2], v-viii, 9-104pp. Without frontispiece. Single wormhole to upper margin pp39-44, gradually developing through the rest of the volume not affecting text, first leaf of preface trimmed in inner margin & reinserted, paper lightly browned. Contemporary calf, neatly rebacked; boards rubbed, some wear to corners. New e.ps pastedowns. ESTC N018120. 'This work has been compiled with great care and industry from Giraffy, the Count of Modena, Midon', and others. [Preface]. Francis Midon, Jnr. is identified as the author on the titlepage to the 1729 work, The History of the Rise and Fall of Masaniello, the Fisherman of Naples. Masaniello, 1620-1647, was the leader of a popular insurrection in Naples against Spanish rule and oppression by the nobles. He was a young fisherman in 1647 when he was chosen to lead a protest against a new tax on fruit, levied by the nobility to raise money to pay the tribute demanded by Spain. The insurrection against the nobles was successful, but Masaniello became intoxicated and urged the people to slaughter the nobles. Shortly thereafter, he was murdered by assassins hired by the nobles.…