Textual Magic: Charms and Written Amulets in Medieval England

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

An in-depth exploration of the role of charms in the English Middle Ages reveals their profound integration into daily life. In her book, Katherine Storm Hindley delves into the power of words, exploring the belief that certain phrases could have physical effects on the world. During the medieval period, Europeans frequently relied on spoken or written charms to seek protection and ensure good health. Hindley's research encompasses an unprecedented archive of over a thousand such charms from medieval England, surpassing previous studies by more than twice the number of collected, transcribed, and edited texts. This extensive collection includes numerous previously unknown texts in Latin, French, and English, shedding light on the diverse perspectives and beliefs of the time. By focusing on charms from 1100 to 1350 CE and examining previously unstudied texts in these languages, Hindley addresses crucial questions about language, belief, and power. She paints a vivid picture of seven hundred years of dynamic cultural landscapes, where multiple languages, alphabets, and modes of transmission gained and lost their protective and healing properties. Contrary to previous scholarship that lamented a lack of continuity in the English charm tradition, Hindley uncovers surprising connections between languages and eras, all while maintaining a keen appreciation for the extraordinary diversity of the medieval charm tradition. This tradition, she argues, was a continuous and deeply rooted aspect of the English Middle Ages, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural and linguistic landscape of the period.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226825335