An edition of The magician, the witch, and the law (1978)
The magician, the witch, and the law
By Edward Peters
Publish Date
1978
Publisher
University of Pennsylvania Press
Language
eng
Pages
218
Description:
Drawing a distinction between medieval "magic" and early modern "witchcraft," Edward Peters argues that early medieval 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 new insights into medieval history.