The magic books : a history of enchantment in 20 extraordinary manuscripts / Anne Lawrence-Mathers.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lawrence-Mathers, Anne, 1953- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Magic--Europe--History--To 1500.

Magic.

Astrology--To 1500.

Astrology.

Magic in literature.

Manuscripts, Medieval.

Illumination of books and manuscripts, Medieval.

Europe, Western--Civilization--To 1500.

Europe, Western.

Physical Description:

x, 357 pages : color illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

New Haven ; London : Yale University Press, [2025]

Summary:

"In this beautifully illustrated account, Anne Lawrence-Mathers explores the medieval fascination with magic through twenty extraordinary illuminated manuscripts. These books were highly sought after, commissioned by kings and stored in great libraries. They include an astronomical compendium made for Charlemagne's son; The Sworn Book of Honorius, used by a secret society of trained magicians; and the highly influential Picatrix. This vivid new history shows how attitudes to magic and science changed over the medieval period--and produced great works of art as they did so." -- Publisher's website.

Contents:

Introduction

1. Astronomy and astrology in the Carolingian empire : a new view of the skies

2. Monks and magic in Anglo-Saxon England

3. Clerical sign-reading and the problem of divination

4. Astral magic in the court of Alfonso X

5. A gift for a king : the visionary astrology of Georgius Zotorus Zaparus Fendulus

6. The Ars notoria : ritual magic for students and scholars?

7. King Solomon and the demons : the books of professional magicians

8. Christine de Pizan and astrology in the French court

9. Divination and politics : the rise of geomancy

Conclusion.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 331-345) and index.

ISBN:

9780300244434

0300244436

OCLC:

1492382349