The Magic Books: A History of Enchantment in 20 Medieval Manuscripts

by Anne Lawrence-Mathers

Overview

A fascinating and highly original history of medieval magic told through twenty key illuminated manuscripts
 
Medieval Europe was preoccupied with magic. From the Carolingian Empire to Renaissance Italy and Tudor England, great rulers, religious figures, and scholars sought to harness supernatural power. They tried to summon spirits, predict the future, and even prolong life. Alongside science and religion, magic lay at the very heart of culture.
 
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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780300244434
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Publication date:	03/11/2025
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 6.20(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Anne Lawrence—Mathers is professor of history at University of Reading. She is the author of Medieval Meteorology and The True History of Merlin the Magician and coauthor of Magic and Medieval Society.

Editorial Reviews

"A vivid account”—Frederick Studemann, Financial Times

“A learned and affectionate study of hidden knowledge.”—Kirkus Reviews

“For that friend who wants to concoct the alchemical elixir of life . . . Lawrence—Mathers collects 20 illuminated medieval manuscripts devoted to magical enterprise. Her compendium includes European volumes on astronomy, magical training, and the imagined intersection between science and the supernatural.”—The Millions, “Most Anticipated: The Great Winter 2025 Preview”

“This exquisitely illustrated book guides readers through the intriguing world of medieval magic, charting its evolution, power and danger through the detailed study of extant manuscripts. A superbly readable work.”—Toni Mount, author of Everyday Life in Medieval England

“Lawrence—Mathers brings the history of magic books to life, and manages to make a very complex subject both fascinating and accessible.  An invaluable companion to scholars and enthusiasts alike.”—Tabitha Stanmore, author of Cunning Folk

“Lawrence—Mathers’ beautifully illustrated book takes the reader through a series of important magic manuscripts, showing who read them and why. It shows how deeply integrated magic and astrology were into medieval learned and courtly culture.”—Catherine Rider, author of Magic and Religion in Medieval England

“A book that unveils the world of learned medieval magic in all its colour. Lawrence—Mathers shows that magic was not an illicit niche pursuit but a major concern of the powerful, wealthy and learned.”—Francis Young, author of Twilight of the Godlings

“Lawrence—Mathers provides an excellent survey of some of the most important magical texts of the medieval West…A useful and illuminating point of entry into the study of medieval magic.”—Richard Kieckhefer, author of Magic in the Middle Ages

From the Publisher