Medicine, Magic and Art in Early Modern Norway: Conceptualizing Knowledge

Ane Ohrvik's book explores magical ideas and practices in early modern Norway, examining Norwegian manuscripts from 1650-1850 known as "Black Books." It offers an original perspective on how practitioners presented their ideas and viewed magic and medicine as practical and sacred art. The study illuminates how ordinary people valued magic despite witchcraft prosecutions, highlighting the importance of these books in understanding magical beliefs and practices in early modern Europe and witchcraft studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2018
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

This captivating book delves into the realm of magical ideas and practices in early modern Norway, offering a comprehensive examination of a vast collection of Norwegian manuscripts known as the Black Books. Spanning from 1650 to 1850, these manuscripts encompass a rich blend of recipes related to medicine, magic, and art. By analyzing these manuscripts from the perspective of their authors, Ane Ohrvik provides an innovative study that sheds light on how early modern magical practitioners conveyed their ideas and viewed their practices.

The book reveals how the writers regarded magic and medicine as both practical and sacred arts, recognizing their value as knowledge that deserved to be protected and preserved. Through the meticulous encoding of their texts, the writers sought to safeguard these valuable insights from persecution, even as witchcraft prosecutions continued to target the very ideas and practices advocated in the Black Books.

The study of the Black Books offers a profound insight into the way ordinary people in Norway conceptualized magic as a valuable and useful knowledge worth collecting and saving. Despite the ongoing witchcraft prosecutions, these individuals recognized the significance of magic as a means to enhance their lives and navigate the challenges of the time. The Black Books played a crucial role in shaping their understanding and belief systems, providing them with a source of wisdom and guidance that transcended the boundaries of traditional religious and scientific frameworks.

Medicine, Magic, and Art in Early Modern Norway is an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. It provides a deep understanding of magical beliefs and practices in early modern Europe, offering insights into the broader cultural and historical context of the period. For those interested in witchcraft studies, book history, and the history of knowledge, this book offers a rich tapestry of information and perspectives. By exploring the Black Books, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and diversity of magical thought and practice in the early modern world, and its enduring impact on the development of modern society.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 224 x 163 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781137467416
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018