Medieval Europe was preoccupied with magic. From the Carolingian Empire to Renaissance Italy and Tudor England, great rulers, religious figures, and scholars sought to harness supernatural power. They tried to summon spirits, predict the future, and even prolong life. Alongside science and religion, magic lay at the very heart of culture.
 
In this beautifully illustrated account, the author explores the medieval fascination with magic through twenty extraordinary illuminated manuscripts. These books were highly sought after, commissioned by kings and stored in great libraries. They include an astronomical compendium made for Charlemagne’s son; The Sworn Book of Honorius, used by a secret society of trained magicians; and the highly influential Picatrix.

This vivid new history shows how attitudes to magic and science changed over the medieval period – and produced great works of art as they did so.

Contents

Introduction

1. Astronomy and Astrology in the Carolingian Empire: A New View of the Skies

2. Monks and Magic in Anglo-Saxon England

3. Clerical Sign-Reading and the Problem of Divination

4. Astral Magic in the Court of Alfonso X

5. A Gift for a King: The Visionary Astrology of Georgius Zotorus Zaparus Fendulus

6. The Ars Notoria: Ritual Magic for Students and Scholars?

7. King Solomon and the Demons: The Books of Professional Magicians

8. Christine de Pizan and Astrology in the French Court

9. Divination and Politics: The Rise of Geomancy

Conclusion

Source: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300244434/the-magic-books/