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Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Enlightenment — Witchcraft Wicca

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Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Enlightenment

Name: Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Enlightenment
Price: 58.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780367502768

✍️ Lynn, Michael R

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A historical study examining how magic, witchcraft, and ghosts persisted throughout the European Enlightenment.

This volume re-evaluates the long eighteenth century by placing magical traditions and spectral phenomena at the center of early modern European history. Written by Purdue University Northwest history professor Michael R. Lynn, the text examines how mystical concepts coexisted with modern intellectual shifts. It offers a scholarly overview of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century beliefs, making it an essential resource for researchers studying early modern mysticism.

Key Themes

Long eighteenth century magic Early modern European ghosts Seventeenth century witchcraft traditions

Literary Context

This study sits within early modern European history, specifically focusing on the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It examines the long eighteenth century to show how magical practices and ideas maintained a central presence in European culture alongside the intellectual developments of the Enlightenment.

Lynn, Michael R

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Timothy Garton Ash · Steven Shapin · The Secret History of the Enlightenment

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Witchcraft & Wicca

🏛 Routledge 📅 2022 📖 204 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780367502768

Fun Fact

Michael R. Lynn's "Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Enlightenment" is a meticulously researched and utterly compelling read. It excels at dismantling simplistic views of the Age of Reason, offering a rich tapestry of evidence for the supernatural's enduring presence. While it might disappoint readers seeking a purely philosophical or less historically dense account, it is a vital contribution to understanding the Enlightenment's true intellectual complexity. This work is essential for any serious scholar of occult history.

📝 Description: Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Enlightenment

Michael R. Lynn argues that belief in spirits and magical practices remained central to intellectual and everyday life throughout the long eighteenth century. The text focuses on the intersections of magical traditions, ghostly encounters, and modern European history during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, challenging the assumption that the Age of Reason entirely abandoned the supernatural. Published by Routledge, this paperback volume synthesizes historical perspectives on mysticism and early modern thought across 204 pages. Lynn is a Professor of History at Purdue University Northwest whose academic research focuses on eighteenth-century European culture, early modern French chiromancy, and the practice of divination. His background in the history of popular science and public opinion informs his examination of how mystical ideas persisted alongside emerging scientific views. The book suits academic readers, historians, and students seeking a research-based study of early modern European mysticism. It does not suit readers looking for a practical spellbook, a step-by-step instructional guide, or modern personal occult practices.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Michael R. Lynn delivers a compelling challenge to the notion of pure scientific reason in the Enlightenment. The meticulous demonstration of persistent beliefs in witchcraft and ghosts is intellectually stimulating and well-argued. However, it does not suit readers seeking straightforward narratives of scientific progress or those who prefer modern occult practices over historical analysis. It may also disappoint those expecting definitive proof of magic's efficacy rather than its cultural influence. This is a rigorous academic work that requires patience but offers significant insights into the era's complex intellectual landscape.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the complex interplay between reason and mysticism will find this volume deeply rewarding. It offers a nuanced historical account for those who suspect the Age of Reason was not immune to the pull of the mysterious. By revealing how arcane beliefs intertwined with burgeoning scientific thought, it provides essential context for understanding the full spectrum of 17th and 18th-century society. This book is ideal for scholars and enthusiasts alike who wish to move beyond simple binaries of science versus superstition, uncovering the enduring power of magic amidst rationality.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the hidden histories of the supernatural or seek a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the Enlightenment beyond its conventional portrayals, this book is for you. It's perfect for those who question established narratives and delight in discovering the unexpected.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Michael R. Lynn delivers a compelling challenge to the notion of pure scientific reason in the Enlightenment. The meticulous demonstration of persistent beliefs in witchcraft and ghosts is intellectually stimulating and well-argued. However, it does not suit readers seeking straightforward narratives of scientific progress or those who prefer modern occult practices over historical analysis. It may also disappoint those expecting definitive proof of magic's efficacy rather than its cultural influence. This is a rigorous academic work that requires patience but offers significant insights into the era's complex intellectual landscape.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, it delves into both learned discourse and everyday popular practices, exploring how magical beliefs permeated all levels of society, from elite philosophical circles to rural communities.

The author analyzes the belief in magic, witchcraft, and ghosts as historical phenomena, examining their impact and interpretations rather than asserting their literal truth.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Enduring Esoteric Practices

Contrary to popular belief, this work reveals how magical traditions, from geomancy to folk charms, did not simply vanish with the rise of rational thought. It meticulously details their continued presence, influence, and adaptation within various social strata, demonstrating a vibrant undercurrent of the arcane throughout the period.

Reimagining Rationality

The book deconstructs the conventional narrative of the Enlightenment as solely a period of strict reason, exposing a more intricate intellectual landscape where scientific inquiry often coexisted with, and sometimes even investigated, the supernatural. It argues for a less monolithic understanding of this pivotal historical epoch.

Supernatural Social Threads

Explore how deeply ingrained beliefs in witchcraft, ghosts, and various forms of magic continued to shape daily life, legal systems, and cultural expressions. This study illustrates the profound social and psychological impact these phenomena had on individuals and communities across Europe during an era often mischaracterized as entirely secular.

📜 Historical context

This book significantly contributes to the growing body of scholarship that re-evaluates the nature of the Enlightenment, moving beyond simplistic narratives of pure reason. It aligns with historians who highlight the continued presence of popular beliefs, superstition, and even occult practices, bridging the gap between early modern magic studies and the intellectual history of the 18th century, offering a more holistic view of the period.

📚 Glossary

Enlightenment
Long Eighteenth-Century
Supernatural

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might our modern understanding of 'reason' be similarly intertwined with beliefs or practices we consider irrational?
In what ways do contemporary societies still grapple with the tension between scientific explanation and supernatural conviction?
If the Enlightenment wasn't purely rational, what does this tell us about the human need for mystery and the unknown across different historical periods?