The Rise Of Magic In Early Medieval Europe (Clarendon Paperbacks) - Softcover

Flint, Valerie I. J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198205228 ISBN 13: 9780198205227

Publisher: Clarendon Press, 2005

Synopsis

This is a study of magic in western Europe in the early Middle Ages. Valerie Flint explores its practice and belief in Christian society, and examines the problems raised by so-called 'pagan survivals' and superstition'. She unravels the complex processes at work in the early medieval Christian church to show how the rejection of non-Christian magic came to be tempered by a more accommodating attitude: confrontation was replaced by negotiation, and certain practices previously condemned were not merely accepted, but actively encouraged. The forms of magic which were retained, as well as those the church set out to obliterate, are carefully analysed. The 'superstitions' condemned at the Reformation are shown to be, in origin, rational and intelligent concessions intended to reconcile coexisting cultures. Dr. Flint explores the sophisticated cultural and religious compromise achieved by the church in this period. This is a scholarly and challenging book, which makes a major contribution to the study of the Christianization of Europe.

About this title

Review:

Flint's thesis is both significant and provocative ... a big, beautifully written, and wonderfully learned book. (The Higher)

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0198205228
• ISBN 13: 9780198205227
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 468