Magic and Medieval Society

Seminar Studies in History

by Anne Lawrence-Mathers, Carolina Escobar-Vargas

Magic and Medieval Society presents a thematic approach to the topic of magic and sorcery in Western Europe between the eleventh and the fifteenth century. It aims to provide readers with the conceptual and documentary tools to reach informed conclusions as to the existence, nature, importance and uses of magic in medieval society.

Contrary to some previous approaches, the authors argue that magic is inextricably connected to other areas of cultural practice and was found across medieval society. Therefore, the book is arranged thematically, covering topics such as the use of magic at medieval courts, at universities and within the medieval Church itself.

Each chapter and theme is supported by additional documents, diagrams and images to allow readers to examine the evidence side-by-side with the discussions in the chapters and to come to informed conclusions on the issues.

This book puts forward the argument that the witch craze was not a medieval phenomenon but rather the product of the Renaissance and the Reformation, and demonstrates how the components for the early-modern prosecution of witches were put into place.

This new Seminar Study is supported by a comprehensive documents section, chronology, who s who and black-and-white plate section. It offers a concise and thought-provoking introduction for students of medieval history. "

Genres: Nonfiction, History

178 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[hope h.]

although a bit dry at times, a really fascinating overview of magic and it's role in society from aprox. the 10th-15th centuries, particularly how the societal view of magic changed and the build-up to the og witch craze in the 15th century. particularly appreciated the focus on primary sources - i have....a LOT of manuscripts to find online and wikipedia pages to read now lol.

[Conrad Leibel]

Appears to be rather hastily put together; provides key terms for further study in the field, but overall, the brushing over of vast swaths of medieval history in a glossary like manner left me unfulfilled.

[Erin]

This book is so badly edited that it is unreadable. A middle school child could have done a better job and the editors should be truly embarrassed at their lack of effort and/or extensive use of AI grammar tools. The fact that either of the authors has a job teaching at a university is a reflection of the low standards required by the University of Reading.

[Old-Barbarossa]

Interesting, but shallow, primer on the subject.
Photos could have been colour.
Good trans of primary sources.
Some simple terms defined in gloss next to text some others not.
On the whole a reasonable starting point for those new to the subject though.
Good bibliography for further reading.