Magic in Early Modern England: Literature, Politics, and Supernatural Power

This book explores the cultural fascination with supernatural power in early modern England, tracing the debate on the reality and morality of magic and its relationship to scientific and political philosophy. It suggests that Francis Bacons scientific works were addressed to King James I, and that Margaret Cavendish's fantastical science fiction must be understood within a tradition that includes works like Christopher Marlowes Doctor Faustus and Simon Forman's autobiography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

This book delves into the intricate relationship between magic and the foundations of modernity, offering a fresh perspective on the subject. Through meticulous close readings of plays, spell books, philosophical treatises, and witch trial narratives, Andrew Moore demonstrates that magic was pervasive in early modern England. Rather than a perceived decline, this study reveals a widespread cultural fascination with supernatural power. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, poets, philosophers, jurists, and monarchs engaged in spirited debates about the existence and morality of magic, thereby exploring the boundaries of human capabilities. This interplay between magical discourse and scientific and political philosophical writing of the time resulted in a reimagining of humanity's relationship with nature. Moore skillfully juxtaposes Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan with contemporary writings by renowned witch hunters Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne, highlighting the connections between scientific endeavors and the realm of magic. He also reminds us of Francis Bacon's scientific works, which were addressed to King James I, whose own Dæmonologie firmly establishes the reality of witchcraft. By examining these diverse works in conjunction, Moore unveils the central role of magic in the early modern project.

This book explores the fascinating relationship between magic and the foundations of modernity, offering a fresh perspective on the subject. Through meticulous close readings of plays, spell books, philosophical treatises, and witch trial narratives, Andrew Moore demonstrates that magic was pervasive in early modern England. Rather than a perceived decline, this study reveals a widespread cultural fascination with supernatural power. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, poets, philosophers, jurists, and monarchs engaged in spirited debates about the existence and morality of magic, thereby exploring the boundaries of human capabilities. This interplay between magical discourse and scientific and political philosophical writing of the time resulted in a reimagining of humanity's relationship with nature. Moore skillfully juxtaposes Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan with contemporary writings by renowned witch hunters Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne, highlighting the connections between scientific endeavors and the realm of magic. He also reminds us of Francis Bacon's scientific works, which were addressed to King James I, whose own Dæmonologie firmly establishes the reality of witchcraft. By examining these diverse works in conjunction, Moore unveils the central role of magic in the early modern project.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 238 x 158 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498575515