The Rest Is History cover image

The Rest Is History

542. Elizabeth I’s Sorcerer: Angels and Demons in Renaissance Europe

Feb 24, 2025
Delve into the captivating life of John Dee, Queen Elizabeth I's magician and alchemist, who sought to converse with angels. Explore his perilous journey through the tumult of Tudor politics, juggling accusations of treason and witchcraft. Discover his mystical practices as he scryed for divine insights, all while teetering on the brink of destruction. Learn about his partnership with Edward Kelly and their ambitious but doomed attempts at angelic communication, set against the backdrop of 16th-century England's shifting religious and political landscape.
01:05:18

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Quick takeaways

  • John Dee was a pivotal figure in Tudor England, navigating the intricacies of power, magic, and the supernatural at Elizabeth I's court.
  • The podcast highlights the tension between magic and authority, illustrating how Dee's pursuits both fascinated and endangered him amidst royal scrutiny.

Deep dives

Live Show Announcement

A significant announcement involves a live show featuring Anthony Scaramucci and Dominic Sandbrook, scheduled for March 30, 2025, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. The event is themed around U.S. political history, particularly focusing on the various assassinations, including notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. This specific date marks the 44th anniversary of the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, which adds a layer of historical relevance to the discussion. The show aims to explore the implications of these events on both American and global history.

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