Magic and Medieval Society

This book aims to provide readers with the tools, both conceptual and documentary, to reach informed conclusions as to the existence, nature, importance and uses of magic in medieval society, with a focus on western Europe in the period from the eleventh to the fifteenth century. The key argument is that, contrary to some previous approaches, it is not possible to separate magic out from other areas of cultural practice. Therefore, the book is arranged thematically, starting with use of magic at medieval courts, within the medieval Church, at universities, and ending with an exploration of its use throughout different social classes, as well as in medicine.

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.