John, This particular comment about popular piety is from the introduction of Brentano's most recent (6 years old now) book, _A New World in a Small Place_ As always his work is stimulating and thought-provoking, and it runs against the current of some contemporary scholarship. The chapter on wills is an excellent example of archival research and great writing. cheers, Roisin -- *************** Roisin Cossar Assistant Professor, History Department University of Manitoba (204)-474-8885 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%