The Magician, the Witch, and the Law
by Edward Peters
64 Members (3.63)
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Drawing a distinction between medieval "magic" and early modern "witchcraft," Edward Peters argues that early medieval magic was considered a practical science, requiring study and skill. But as European society became more articulate and self-conscious, the old tradition of magic as a science became associated with heresy and sorcery. Thereafter the Middle Ages knew no safe, learned magic that was not subject to accusation of diabolism in one form or another, and the magician, like the show more later witch, could be punished for both spiritual and temporal offenses. Through Peters's analysis of the legal, ecclesiastical, and literary responses to this problem, magic and witchcraft are located more accurately in the cultural context of the time, providing important new insights into medieval history. show lessTags
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14+ Works 1,318 Members
Edward Peters is Henry Charles Lea Professor of Medieval History at the University of Pennsylvania
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- Canonical title
- The Magician, the Witch, and the Law
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, History, Politics and Government, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 133.4 — Philosophy and Psychology Parapsychology & occultism Specific topics in parapsychology and occultism Demonology and witchcraft
- LCC
- BF1593 .P42 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Psychology Occult sciences Magic. Hermetics. Necromancy
- BISAC
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- 64
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- 484,037
- Rating
- (3.63)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 4
- ASINs
- 1
