New Books in History Anne Lawrence-Mathers, "The Magic Books: A History of Enchantment in 20 Medieval Manuscripts" (Yale UP, 2025)
Dec 12, 2025
Anne Lawrence-Mathers, a Professor of medieval history at the University of Reading, dives into the enchanting world of medieval magic through her latest work. She discusses the distinction between popular and learned magic, revealing elite practices hidden in illuminated manuscripts. Lawrence-Mathers examines the social significance of these texts, detailing their luxurious production and the fascinating ritualistic elements embedded within. The conversation also touches on historical misconceptions of magic, the power dynamics of the era, and the intriguing figure of Alfonso X's multicultural approach to magic.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Magic As Elite Display And Learning
- Medieval manuscripts were deliberate display objects that linked magic to elite learning and power.
- Anne Lawrence-Mathers argues these books normalized magic among rulers and scholars rather than marginalizing it.
Two Overlapping Worlds Of Magic
- Magic in the Middle Ages existed on overlapping popular and learned levels with different social roles.
- Lawrence-Mathers shows learned magic was written, Latin-based, and practiced in courts and universities.
Widow Who Used The Host As A Charm
- A 13th-century sermon tells of a widow who dried consecrated bread to sprinkle on crops as a charm.
- Her priest convicted her of heresy because she treated the host as a magical object rather than sacrament.
