Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa

The magus was a unique figure in Renaissance Europe, combining science, literature, engineering, and fraud. This book explores the careers of historical magicians such as Faust, Marsilio Ficino, Pico della Mirandola, Johannes Trithemius, and Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, who were linked to monarchs, artists, and soldiers and revolutionized fields such as astronomy, architecture, warfare, and medicine through their experiments and tricks.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The enigmatic figure of the magus, a learned magician who played a pivotal role in Renaissance Europe, emerges in a captivating new light through the lens of Anthony Grafton's groundbreaking work. This captivating exploration delves into the lives of remarkable individuals who seamlessly straddled the realms of scientific brilliance and profound credulity, leaving an indelible mark on the era. Among these figures, the historical Faust, Marsilio Ficino, Pico della Mirandola, Johannes Trithemius, and Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa stand out as captivating characters, intricately connected to monarchs, artists, and soldiers, and at the very core of understanding the transformative essence of the Renaissance.

The magus, a multifaceted individual, possessed a unique blend of scientific curiosity, bibliophile passion, engineering expertise, fabulist imagination, and even a touch of deception. Their groundbreaking contributions to modern physics and chemistry, alongside their diverse endeavors in secret codes, siege engines, magic tricks, and more, showcased their extraordinary versatility. Grafton's book delves into the captivating careers of these remarkable men, exploring their achievements and the complexities of their character.

The historical Faust, for instance, emerges as a fascinating character who embodied a complex blend of genius and skepticism. His interactions with the devil, his profound studies in alchemy, and his enduring influence on literature and philosophy have left an indelible mark on the world. Marsilio Ficino, another key figure, was a polymath who excelled in various fields, including philosophy, literature, and astrology. His profound insights into the relationship between religion and science and his contributions to the development of Hermeticism have had a lasting impact.

Pico della Mirandola, renowned for his intellectual prowess and audacious ideas, played a pivotal role in shaping the Renaissance worldview. His advocacy for the unity of knowledge and his belief in the power of the human mind revolutionized the study of the stars, architecture, warfare, and even medicine. Johannes Trithemius, a renowned scholar and magician, delved into the mysteries of alchemy, cryptography, and magic, leaving behind a rich legacy of esoteric knowledge.

Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, a renowned occultist and philosopher, contributed significantly to the development of magical thought and practice. His writings on the occult, including the Magia Naturalis, explored the interplay between science, religion, and magic, challenging traditional beliefs and paving the way for new understandings.

Through their diverse pursuits and profound contributions, these magus figures not only revolutionized their respective fields but also left an enduring legacy that continues to shape our understanding of the Renaissance. Grafton's book offers a captivating exploration of their lives, providing a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between magic, religion, and science during this transformative period.

In conclusion, Anthony Grafton's book "The Magus: The Learned Magician and His Place in the World of Renaissance Europe" is a revelatory exploration of the enigmatic figure of the magus and their profound impact on Renaissance Europe. Through the lives of these remarkable individuals, Grafton sheds light on the complex interplay between science, religion, and magic, challenging traditional beliefs and paving the way for new understandings. The book offers a captivating glimpse into the world of the magus, providing a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the Renaissance and their enduring legacy.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781846143632