This is a translation and new edition of Masaniello. La sua vita e il
mito in Europa (Rome, 2007), the first historical biography of the
leader of the revolt that broke out in Naples in 1647-48. Initially, its
main objectives were the cancellation of the many taxes introduced in
previous decades and a political reform that would allow the people to
have their voice in the civic parliament. Thanks to Masaniello, the
Neapolitans were able to compel the Spanish viceroy to sign new
'capitoli' (popular desiderata) but soon after, Masaniello was isolated
by his main counselor, Giulio Genoino, and others, and ultimately
abandoned to a tragic fate. From the moment of his death, a fascinating
new life began in which Masaniello was exalted and condemned in many
texts (historical volumes, plays, and even a dialogue with Wilhelm Tell)
until, by the Risorgimento, he was remembered as an Italian hero.