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In this captivating exploration, Anthony Grafton unveils the enigmatic world of the magus—a learned magician who stood at the epicentre of Renaissance Europe's intellectual upheaval. These peculiar and fascinating figures, straddling the realms of science, bibliophilia, engineering, storytelling, and chicanery, were instrumental in ushering in the dawn of modern physics and chemistry, whilst simultaneously dabbling in an array of pursuits from cryptography to siege warfare.
Grafton's brilliantly original work delves into the lives of men who embodied both extraordinary genius and, at times, questionable credulity. The historical Faust, Marsilio Ficino, Pico della Mirandola, Johannes Trithemius, and Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa emerge as pivotal characters, intimately connected to monarchs, artists, and soldiers alike. These magi were at the very heart of the Renaissance's restless spirit of innovation, revolutionising fields as diverse as astronomy, architecture, warfare, and medicine through their experiments and ingenious tricks.
No other work so deftly illuminates the intricate interweaving of magic, religion, and science during this remarkable period. 'Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa' offers an unparalleled glimpse into a time when these disciplines were often indistinguishable, providing a fresh perspective on the intellectual landscape that shaped the modern world.
Book ISBN: | 9780140276916 |
Book Author: | Anthony Grafton |
Book Format: | Paperback / softback |
Book Imprint: | Penguin Books Ltd |
Book Publisher: | Penguin Books Ltd |
Book Dimensions: | 200 x 130 x 18 cm |
Book Publication Date: | 2025-01-02 |
Book Pagination: | 304 pages |
Book Weight: | 228g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’