Magic in the Middle Ages (Canto) 2nd Edition

I will admit to being somewhat disappointed when this book arrived and it was as small as it was. A mere 200 pages of text plus a bibliography isn't much space to address a complex subject such as this. Also as someone who is relatively familiar with a lot of the source material he describes, I figured it would be at best a very simple overview. I was wrong.This is one of the most accessible yet informative books I have come across on the subject. In many ways it is more informative than many other books in my library of greater length. The author engages in a brief but comprehensive survey of the major influences of medieval magic and discusses their origins and roots. Continuity with pagan sources (both classical and Northern European) takes up more than quarter of the book, and in that area he discusses sources ranging from Pliny the Elder to the Norse Sagas, from defixions (cursing tablets) to runic amulets.The rest of the book is devoted to the Arabic influences, to the rise of demonology in the Middle Ages, and to patterns of persecution. While the Arabic section is fairly standard in approach and thesis, the chapter on demonology offers refreshing and unique insights into the rise of this ritual form in the Middle Ages. The chapter on legal prohibitions and persecutions attempts to tie the main theses of the book together.All in all, this is a book I'd highly recommend reading to anyone interested in the development of medieval magical practices.

Great book. It's a "must own" for anyone who is serious about the true history of witchcraft and demonology. If you're looking for a "how to" book, look someplace else. This was one of the main required texts for a course I took at SBC, "The Medieval Other". It looks at witchcraft, demonology, the Catholic Church, and outside influences. Kieckhefer is a great author, and while I don't entirely agree with some of his theories, he IS a pioneer in the historical study of witchcraft. My professor had the good fortune of being acquainted with Kieckhefer-One of the main reasons we used the book for the class. But his book is highly readable, packed full of information. A great book for both the undergrad audience, or just for fun. It does assume you have a little background knowledge of the subject, but it's still very easy to read and anyone with interest in the subject will be able to follow it. Simply put, you must own this book if you're a history nut. Read it, keep it on your shelf. It will be your friend. I bought mine for school, but I will never sell it now that I know what a great book it is.

I really like this book, and reading it while reading Ronald Hutton's book The Witch has been doubly edifying and fascinating.

Great shape and what I needed

Need a ready reference regarding magic in the middle ages? Buy this book. I use it regularly as a trusted reference when developing stories. I have bought many books searching for the contents found in this book.

I liked this book because it answered all my questions about who did magic and how it was perceived during the Middle Ages.

Excellent product and seller.

Item as described.

A very good introduction to the subject of mediaeval magic. Kieckhefer writes in a style that it a pleasure to read. Without superficiality or sensationalism, he covers the main facts of a very long period (approximately 1,000 years) and, perhaps more importantly, raises the necessary questions.

Excellent service and book

Very interesting book. Thanks

Super useful for my Medieval Supernatural course.

A comprehensive essay on the topic, informative enough for any reader and particularly suitable for those with a sufficient academic knowledge of the subject