The collection consists of a manuscript account of the uprising Racconto della sollevazione di Napoli accaduta nell'anno 1647, written in 1740. Beginning in 1503, Naples was ruled by Spain through a viceroy. There was also a seggi or municipal administration which was dominated by the aristocracy, but did have a small popular representation. The uprising of July 1647 was provoked by the high cost of living and by taxes, and had as its figurehead a fisherman named Masaniello. It was in fact organized by Giulio Genoino, a lawyer who wanted the people's voice on the seggi to be equal to the patricians. The rebels attacked prisons and armories, looted the houses of the nobility, and lynched several people. After a few days, a settlement was negotiated by the Cardinal Archbishop