Product Description

How was magic practised in medieval times? How did it relate to the diverse beliefs and practices that characterised this fascinating period? In Magic in the Middle Ages Richard Kieckhefer surveys the growth and development of magic in medieval times. He examines its relation to religion, science, philosophy, art, literature and politics before introducing us to the different types of magic that were used, the kinds of people who practised magic, and the reasoning behind their beliefs. In addition, he shows how magic served as a point of contact between the popular and elite classes, how the reality of magical beliefs is reflected in the fiction of medieval literature, and how the persecution of magic and witchcraft led to changes in the law. This book places magic at the crossroads of medieval culture, shedding light on many other aspects of life in the middle ages.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #252300 in Books
• Published on: 2000-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 236 pages

Review
‘Richard Kieckhefer offers a panoramic view of a very diverse set of problems in his cogently organised and revealing book … imaginative and stimulating …’. Journal of Medieval History

‘… a readable and lively book, whose particular strengths are its confidence and clarity in defining different sorts of magical activities, and the sharp illustrative details … he deserves congratulations.’ History

‘The range of primary texts, often quoted from manuscript, and the coverage of secondary literature, in many languages, are impressive features. This is a valuable survey which few will read without learning something new.’ Times Higher Education Supplement

‘… stands out amid the many speculative efforts which preceded it; it can be highly recommended as a concise and authoritative history of medieval magic.’ Ambix

‘This book can be highly recommended.’ Medical History

‘ … an excellent introduction to an interesting and expanding subject.’ BBC History Magazine

Customer Reviews

Ultimate medieval magic reader
This books is the best beginner's introduction to a historical, academical approach to medieval magic. It's not an "esoteric" book... it's an academical text, written by one of the most accomplished historians in the field. It's rather brief, but detailed, informative and graced by an extensive bibliography you can use for furhter research. This book is useful for anyone intereste in Medieval history, from "professional" students to amateurs.

Occult history rather than myth
This book was mentioned during a talk by a US occultist at a magical conference in London some years ago. He said it contradicted a lot of the myths about magic and withcraft. He tells us who was actually practising the kind of spells we see in the grimoires and charts how beliefs in magic
persisted with the rise of the established church and uneasily co-existed for some centuries until the times of persecutions.Very readable and a book I often return to