Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
University of Pennsylvania Press (1982), 234 pages
Description
In the early Middle Ages, magic was considered a practical science, requiring study and skill. But as European society became more articulate and self-conscious, the old tradition of magic as a science became associated with heresy and sorcery. Thereafter the Middle Ages knew no safe, learned magic that was not subject to accusation of diabolism in one form or another, and the magician, like the later witch, could be punished for both spiritual and temporal offenses. Through Peters's analysis of the legal, ecclesiastical, and literary responses to this problem, magic and witchcraft are located more accurately in the cultural context of the time, providing important insight into medieval history.
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
234 p.; 9 inches
ISBN
0812211014 / 9780812211016