New Books in Critical Theory Anne Lawrence-Mathers, "The Magic Books: A History of Enchantment in 20 Medieval Manuscripts" (Yale UP, 2025)
Dec 12, 2025
Anne Lawrence-Mathers, a medieval history professor at the University of Reading, delves into the captivating world of medieval magic through her upcoming book. She explores the allure of 20 illuminated manuscripts, revealing how they served as luxury status symbols while reflecting the fusion of magic with science and religion. The discussion includes insights on popular versus learned magic, the production of manuscripts in monasteries, and the intriguing role of divination in medieval society. Lawrence-Mathers also highlights the importance of re-integrating magic into historical narratives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Enchantment As A Broad, Elite Practice
- Anne Lawrence‑Mathers frames 'enchantment' as a broad category that spans accepted scholarly practice to risky spirit-summoning.
- She selected 20 luxury manuscripts to show magic's prestige across medieval elite culture.
Two Overlapping Worlds Of Magic
- Medieval magic split into popular vernacular charms and learned, Latin scholarship in elite circles.
- Learned magic circulated in expensive, illustrated books and was often tolerated until theologians raised concerns.
Widow Who Used Consecrated Bread
- Lawrence‑Mathers recounts a 13th‑century widow who saved consecrated bread to protect crops, then was prosecuted.
- Priests treated such acts as heresy rather than simple 'magic.'
