Introduction Histories of Magic as Political Crime Studying Magic as Political Crime Defining Magic Magic and Witchcraft Magic and Treason Structure of the Book 1. 'Compassing and Imagining': Magic as a Political Crime in Medieval England John of Nottingham and the Plot Against Edward II Magic and the Statute of Treason Application of the Statute of Treason The Case of Eleanor Cobham Magic in the Wars of the Roses The Reign of Henry VII Conclusion 2. Treason, Sorcery and Prophecy in The Early English Reformation, 1534 - 58 The Tudors and the English Reformation Prophecy and Treason Magic and Treason at Court The Reigns of Edward VI and Mary Conclusion 3. Elizabeth versus The 'Popish Conjurers', 1558 - 77 The Elizabethan Reformation The Accession of Elizabeth The Fortescue Conspiracy The 1559 Bill against Sorcery, Witchcraft and Buggery The Waldegrave and Pole Conspiracies The Burning of St Paul's The 1563 Act Against Conjuration and Witchcraft The Abduction and Trial of John Story The Case of Rowland Jenks Conclusion 4. 'A Traitorous Heart to the Queen': Effigies and Witch-Hunts, 1578 - 1603 119 Effigy Magic John Dee and the Wax Effigies Leicester's Witch-Hunt Vincent Murphyn's Conspiracy The 1580 Act for Suppressing Seditious Words and Rumours 'Anabaptistical Wizards' Elizabeth's Last Years Magical Treason in Shakespeare's Henry VI Part Two Conclusion 5. 'A Breach in Nature': Magic as a Political Crime in Early Stuart England, 1603 - 42 James VI and Magical Treason James's English Reign The Case of Sir Thomas Lake Magical Treason in the Plays of Shakespeare The Poisoning of James I Towards Civil War 6. The Decline of Magic as a Political Crime, 1642 - 1700 Political Magic in the English Civil Wars Interregnum and Restoration: The Decline of Magical Treason Witchcraft and Treason England and the 'Affair of the Poisons' vi Magic as a Political Crime Treason without Magic: The Popish Plot Magic and Politics Part Company Echoes Conclusion.