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Loading... Unlocked Books: Manuscripts of Learned Magic in the Medieval Libraries of Central Europe (Magic in History) (original 2008; edition 2008)by Benedek Láng (Author)
Work InformationUnlocked Books: Manuscripts of Learned Magic in the Medieval Libraries of Central Europe by Benedek Láng (2008)
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Belongs to Publisher SeriesMagic in History (12)
"Presents and analyzes texts of learned magic written in medieval Central Europe (Poland, Bohemia, and Hungary), and attempts to identify their authors, readers, and collectors"--Provided by publisher. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)133.4309430902Philosophy and Psychology Parapsychology And Occultism Specific Topics Witchcraft - Sorcery Witchcraft and Magickal Practice Biography; History By Place Europe Germany & Central EuropeLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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Lang did some amazing research in an attempt to reconstruct the contents of 14th-17th century libraries. By discovering the titles and how widely dispersed they were, he was able to give a rough snapshot of was was being read and taught. The results indicate that alchemy and astrology were by far the most widely excepted and practiced among magic books. He also found that diabolical books, such as books on necromancy and demon evocation were far more rare. Though is does admit that the more diabolical grimoires were far more likely to be destroyed than their somewhat less heretical alchemical neighbors.
He also discusses how many of the Universities in said regions became hubs for practicing magicians; Universities such as Krakow, Budapest, and Prague. The book also contains scans of rare documents, such as the Liber Runarum and the Beliforis.
Over all it's a great book, if a wee bit dry at times. ( )