Description:
This book aims to provide readers with the tools, both conceptual and documentary, to reach informed conclusions as to the existence, nature, importance and uses of magic in medieval society, with a focus on western Europe in the period from the eleventh to the fifteenth century. The key argument is that, contrary to some previous approaches, it is not possible to separate magic out from other areas of cultural practice. Therefore, the book is arranged thematically, starting with use of magic at medieval courts, within the medieval Church, at universities, and ending with an exploration of its use throughout different social classes, as well as in medicine.