Magic in Merlin's realm: a history of occult politics in Britain

"Belief in magic was, until relatively recent times, widespread in Britain, yet the impact of such belief on determinative political events has frequently been overlooked. In his wide-ranging new book, Francis Young explores the role of occult traditions in the history of the island of Great Br...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Young, Francis 1981- (Author)
Format: Print Book
Language:English
Subito Delivery Service: Order now.
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
WorldCat: WorldCat
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Cambridge New York, NY Port Melbourne, VIC New Delhi Singapore Cambridge University Press 2022
In:Year: 2022
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Great Britain / Occultism / Politics / History
IxTheo Classification:AD Sociology of religion; religious policy
AZ New religious movements
BD Ancient European religions
KBF British Isles
TA History
Further subjects:B Occultism Political aspects (Great Britain) History
B Religion / History
Online Access: Table of Contents
Blurb
Literaturverzeichnis
Description
Summary:"Belief in magic was, until relatively recent times, widespread in Britain, yet the impact of such belief on determinative political events has frequently been overlooked. In his wide-ranging new book, Francis Young explores the role of occult traditions in the history of the island of Great Britain: Merlin's realm. He argues that while the great magus and artificer invented by Geoffrey of Monmouth was a powerful model for a succession of actual royal magical advisers (including Roger Bacon and John Dee), monarchs nevertheless often lived in fear of hostile sorcery while at other times they even attempted magic themselves. Successive governments were simultaneously fascinated by astrology and alchemy, yet also deeply wary of the possibility of treasonous spellcraft. Whether deployed in warfare, rebellion or propaganda, occult traditions were of central importance to British history and, as the author reveals, these dark arts of magic and politics remain entangled to this day"--
Item Description:Includes bibliographical references and index
ISBN:1316512401