Magic in Merlin's Realm: A History of Occult Politics in Britain Tapa dura - 2022

Paperback. Like New.

Cambridge University Press. Used - Like New. Like New condition. Like New dust jacket. A near perfect copy that may have very minor cosmetic defects.

Hardback. New. Francis Young boldly argues that magic has throughout the history of the British Isles been at times as culturally and politically significant as religion, when traditions of occult magic guided the hands of monarchs and rebels alike. He seeks to re-establish the connection of such beliefs with major political events.

Hardback. New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; Francis Young boldly argues that magic has throughout the history of the British Isles been at times as culturally and politically significant as religion, when traditions of occult magic guided the hands of monarchs and rebels alike. H

Belief in magic was, until relatively recent times, widespread in Britain; yet the impact of such belief on determinative political events has frequently been overlooked. In his wide-ranging new book, Francis Young explores the role of occult traditions in the history of the island of Great Britain: Merlin's realm. He argues that while the great magus and artificer invented by Geoffrey of Monmouth was a powerful model for a succession of actual royal magical advisers (including Roger Bacon and John Dee), monarchs nevertheless often lived in fear of hostile sorcery while at other times they even attempted magic themselves. Successive governments were simultaneously fascinated by astrology and alchemy, yet also deeply wary of the possibility of treasonous spellcraft. Whether deployed in warfare, rebellion or propaganda, occult traditions were of central importance to British history and, as the author reveals, these dark arts of magic and politics remain entangled to this day.

Cambridge Univ Pr, 2022. Hardcover. New. 300 pages. 8.86x5.75x1.06 inches.

hardcover. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.