"A vivid account"--Frederick Studemann, Financial Times "A learned and affectionate study of hidden knowledge."-- Kirkus Reviews "For that friend who wants to concoct the alchemical elixir of life . Lawrence-Mathers collects 20 illuminated medieval manuscripts devoted to magical enterprise. Her compendium includes European volumes on astronomy, magical training, and the imagined intersection between science and the supernatural."-- The Millions , "Most Anticipated: The Great Winter 2025 Preview" "Authoritative and accessible, this book is an entertaining and insightful companion to an often hidden history."--Tabitha Stanmore, BBC History "Lawrence-Mathers explains all aspects of magic in a simple and comprehensive way."--Nicholas Orme, Church Times "This exquisitely illustrated book guides readers through the intriguing world of medieval magic, charting its evolution, power and danger through the detailed study of extant manuscripts. A superbly readable work.
"--Toni Mount, author of Everyday Life in Medieval England "Lawrence-Mathers brings the history of magic books to life, and manages to make a very complex subject both fascinating and accessible. An invaluable companion to scholars and enthusiasts alike."--Tabitha Stanmore, author of Cunning Folk "Lawrence-Mathers' beautifully illustrated book takes the reader through a series of important magic manuscripts, showing who read them and why. It shows how deeply integrated magic and astrology were into medieval learned and courtly culture."--Catherine Rider, author of Magic and Religion in Medieval England "A book that unveils the world of learned medieval magic in all its colour. Lawrence-Mathers shows that magic was not an illicit niche pursuit but a major concern of the powerful, wealthy and learned."--Francis Young, author of Twilight of the Godlings "Lawrence-Mathers provides an excellent survey of some of the most important magical texts of the medieval West.A useful and illuminating point of entry into the study of medieval magic.
"--Richard Kieckhefer, author of Magic in the Middle Ages.