Literatures of Alchemy in Medieval and Early Modern England

The language of alchemy is defined by obscure imagery, authorial play, and dense knottiness, and was read, interpreted, and reimagined by those with and without access to a fully functioning laboratory. Recent studies have decoded the difficult language of these texts, revealing the replicable chemical procedures behind their metaphors. This book explores more fluid understandings of alchemy in the period through an analysis of medieval and early modern texts and manuscript cultures, offering a theory of alchemical hermeneutics as a conspiratorial way of reading that sees alchemy in all.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The enigmatic realm of alchemy, an ancient art of transmuting metals and crafting pharmaceutical remedies, is characterized by enigmatic imagery, playful authorship, and intricate complexity. It beckons curious readers to unravel its enigmatic promises, enticing them into a world of exploration. Spanning from the fourteenth to the seventeenth century, alchemical literature has been cherished, interpreted, and reimagined by individuals with access to fully equipped laboratories and those who were unfamiliar with the intricacies of alchemical apparatus.

In recent times, historians of science have made remarkable strides in deciphering the intricate language of these texts, unveiling the replicable chemical procedures concealed within their metaphorical frameworks. However, this book delves beyond a mere scientific analysis, seeking to explore a more fluid understanding of alchemy during the medieval and early modern periods. Through a comprehensive examination of medieval and early modern texts and manuscript cultures, the volume unravels the diverse conceptualizations of alchemy by both adepts and skeptics.

From Geoffrey Chaucer's satirical portrayal of alchemical impotence in The Canterbury Tales to John Gower's cosmic aspiration for societal improvement in The Confessio Amantis, and even Elias Ashmole's angelic alchemy in Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum, the book explores the natural philosophy that underpins these diverse representations of this slippery science. It presents a conspiratorial theory of alchemical hermeneutics, offering a way of reading that sees alchemy in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, this book offers a captivating exploration of the multifaceted world of alchemy, shedding light on the diverse ways in which it was conceptualized by adepts and skeptics alike. Through a meticulous examination of medieval and early modern texts and manuscript cultures, it provides a rich tapestry of insights into the natural philosophy that underpinned this enigmatic art. By presenting a conspiratorial theory of alchemical hermeneutics, it invites readers to engage with alchemy on a deeper level, recognizing its presence in various aspects of life and culture.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843846444