The Magic Books

Reviews / Votes

"A vivid account"-Frederick Studemann, Financial Times

"A learned and affectionate study of hidden knowledge."-Kirkus Reviews

"Authoritative and accessible, this book is an entertaining and insightful companion to an often hidden history."-Tabitha Stanmore, BBC History

"Lawrence-Mathers explains all aspects of magic in a simple and comprehensive way."-Nicholas Orme, Church Times

"This exquisitely illustrated book guides readers through the intriguing world of medieval magic, charting its evolution, power and danger through the detailed study of extant manuscripts. A superbly readable work."-Toni Mount, author of Everyday Life in Medieval England

"Lawrence-Mathers brings the history of magic books to life, and manages to make a very complex subject both fascinating and accessible. An invaluable companion to scholars and enthusiasts alike."-Tabitha Stanmore, author of Cunning Folk

"Lawrence-Mathers' beautifully illustrated book takes the reader through a series of important magic manuscripts, showing who read them and why. It shows how deeply integrated magic and astrology were into medieval learned and courtly culture."-Catherine Rider, author of Magic and Religion in Medieval England

"A book that unveils the world of learned medieval magic in all its colour. Lawrence-Mathers shows that magic was not an illicit niche pursuit but a major concern of the powerful, wealthy and learned."-Francis Young, author of Twilight of the Godlings

"Lawrence-Mathers provides an excellent survey of some of the most important magical texts of the medieval West...A useful and illuminating point of entry into the study of medieval magic."-Richard Kieckhefer, author of Magic in the Middle Ages