A Fourteenth-Century Chronologer and Critic of Astrology: Heinrich Selder's Treatise on the Time of the Lord's Annunciation, Nativity, and Passion

This volume presents a newly discovered work by Heinrich Selder, a Swabian astronomer from the 14th century, titled "Treatise on the Time of the Lord's Annunciation, Nativity, and Passion." It explores Selder's unconventional views on the dimensions of history and the folly of astrology, drawing on a range of sources to reconstruct the chronology of early human history. The treatise also criticizes judicial astrology, making Selder one of the most radical critics of this art in 14th-century Europe. The book is accompanied by a critical edition, translation, and analysis of its authorship, context, and contributions to medieval astronomy, chronology, and anti-astrological thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This volume presents a newly discovered work by the Swabian astronomer Heinrich Selder (fl.1365-79), a hitherto overlooked figure in fourteenth-century intellectual history. Composed from 1371 to at least 1379, this Treatise on the Time of the Lord's Annunciation, Nativity, and Passion (Tractatus de tempore dominice annunciationis, nativitatis et passionis) records Selder's surprising views on two seemingly unrelated questions: the dimensions of history and the folly of astrology. Drawing on a diverse range of sources, from ancient Roman poets to the writings of a twelfth-century mystic nun, his Treatise documents a sophisticated and prescient attempt to reconstruct the chronology of early human history, from the creation of the world to the birth of Christ, in a scientifically sound manner. Woven into these discussions is a fierce attack on the rationality and legitimacy of judicial astrology, which spotlights Selder as one of the most radical critics of this art and its practitioners in fourteenth-century Europe.

A Fourteenth-Century Chronologer and Critic of Astrology: presents the Treatise in a critical edition with facing English translation. It is prefaced by a detailed investigation into its authorship and context as well as by in-depth analyses of its specific contributions in the areas of medieval astronomy, chronology, and anti-astrological thought.

The Treatise is a remarkable work that sheds light on the intellectual landscape of fourteenth-century Europe. Selder's engagement with the dimensions of history and astrology reveals his deep interest in the broader questions of human existence and the natural world. His use of a wide range of sources, from ancient Roman poets to twelfth-century mystic nuns, demonstrates his commitment to scholarship and his willingness to explore different perspectives on the past.

Selder's attack on judicial astrology is particularly noteworthy. He argues that astrology is not based on scientific principles and is therefore not a legitimate means of understanding the past or predicting the future. He criticizes astrologers for their reliance on superstition and their willingness to manipulate people's beliefs for personal gain. Selder's views on astrology were radical for his time and contributed to the growing skepticism towards this art and its practitioners in fourteenth-century Europe.

The Treatise also offers valuable insights into the development of chronology in the Middle Ages. Selder's attempt to reconstruct the chronology of early human history from the creation of the world to the birth of Christ is a significant contribution to the field. He draws on a variety of sources, including biblical texts, ancient astronomical records, and the writings of medieval scholars, to create a comprehensive and scientifically sound chronology.

In conclusion, this volume presents a newly discovered work by the Swabian astronomer Heinrich Selder, a hitherto overlooked figure in fourteenth-century intellectual history. The Treatise on the Time of the Lord's Annunciation, Nativity, and Passion offers a unique perspective on the dimensions of history and the folly of astrology. Selder's sophisticated and prescient attempt to reconstruct the chronology of early human history, combined with his fierce attack on the rationality and legitimacy of judicial astrology, makes him a significant figure in the history of medieval astronomy, chronology, and anti-astrological thought. This critical edition with facing English translation makes Selder's work more accessible to a wider audience and contributes to our understanding of the intellectual landscape of fourteenth-century Europe.

Weight: 688g
Dimension: 224 x 145 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192844149