New Books Network 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 historian and professor, dives into the magical world of medieval manuscripts in her new book. She explores the enchanting power of illuminated texts, from royal compendiums to secret magical practices. The contrast between learned and popular magic unveils the blurred lines between faith and superstition. Lawrence-Mathers also discusses how manuscripts not only preserved magical knowledge but elevated its status in society. Her insights highlight the cultural significance of magic in shaping medieval thought.
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Magic As Elite Display
- Medieval luxury manuscripts signaled that magic was elite, not marginal.
- Anne Lawrence-Mathers argues these books were display objects that legitimated learned enchantment.
Two Parallel Magical Worlds
- Medieval magic existed on two overlapping levels: popular practices and learned, book-based magic.
- Learned magic was Latin, written, and practiced in courts and universities while popular magic used local traditions.
Widow Who Used A Host As Charm
- A 13th-century widow kept a consecrated host to dry and sprinkle on crops to repel caterpillars.
- Her priest convicted her because he saw it as misuse of the body of Christ and heresy.
