Anne Lawrence-Mathers Livres

Essays offering a gendered approach to the study of the move from manuscript to early printed book show how much women were involved in the process.The transition from medieval manuscript to early printed book is currently a major topic of academic interest, but has received very little attention in terms of women's involvement, a gap which the essays in this volume address.They add female names to the list of authors who participated in the creation of English literature, and examine women's responses to authoritative and traditional texts in revealing detail. Taking its cue from the advances made by recent work on manuscript culture and book history, this volume also includes studies of material evidence, looking at women's participation in the making of books, and the traces they left when they encountered actual volumes.Finally, studies of women's roles in relation to apparently ephemeral texts, such as letters, pamphlets and almanacs, challenge traditional divisions between public and private spheres as well as between manuscript and print.Dr Anne Lawrence-Mathers is Lecturer in History, University of Reading; Phillipa Hardman is Senior Lecturer in English, University of Reading. Gemma Allen, Anna Bayman, James Daybell, Alice Eardley, Christopher Hardman, Phillipa Hardman, Elizabeth Heale, Anne Lawrence-Mathers, Adam Smyth, Alison Wiggins, Graham Williams

Merlin the Magician has remained an enthralling and curious individual since he was first introduced in the twelfth century though the pages of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae. But although the Merlin of literature and Arthurian myth is well known, Merlin the "historical" figure and his relation to medieval magic are less familiar. In this book Anne Lawrence-Mathers explores just who he was and what he has meant to Britain. The historical Merlin was no rough magician: he was a learned figure from the cutting edge of medieval science and adept in astrology, cosmology, prophecy, and natural magic, as well as being a seer and a proto-alchemist. His powers were convincingly real and useful, for they helped to add credibility to the "long-lost" history of Britain which first revealed them to a European public. Merlin's prophecies reassuringly foretold Britain's path, establishing an ancient ancestral line and linking biblical prophecy with more recent times. Merlin helped to put British history into world history. Lawrence-Mathers also explores the meaning of Merlin's magic across the centuries, arguing that he embodied ancient Christian and pagan magical traditions, recreated for a medieval court and shaped to fit a new moral framework. Linking Merlin's perceived reality and power with the culture of the Middle Ages, this remarkable book reveals the true impact of the most famous magician of all time

Focusing on medieval society in western Europe from the eleventh to fifteenth centuries, this book explores the intertwined nature of magic with various cultural practices. It argues against separating magic from other societal elements and organizes its content thematically. Topics include the role of magic at medieval courts, within the Church, at universities, and its application across social classes and in medicine. Readers are equipped with both conceptual and documentary tools to draw informed conclusions about the significance of magic in this historical context.

Exploring the intriguing world of medieval magic, this book presents a unique historical narrative through the lens of twenty significant illuminated manuscripts. Each manuscript serves as a portal into the practices, beliefs, and cultural contexts of the time, illuminating how magic was perceived and utilized in medieval society. The vivid illustrations and detailed analyses provide insight into the intersection of art, literature, and the mystical, making this a captivating read for history and magic enthusiasts alike.

The book delves into the evolution of scientifically-based weather forecasting in medieval Europe, spanning from approximately 700 to 1600. It examines how meteorological knowledge developed and disseminated during this period, highlighting the interplay between science, culture, and society. The exploration reveals the impact of these advancements on agriculture, navigation, and daily life, showcasing the significance of weather predictions in shaping historical events and societal progress.