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A review by hrjones
Magic in the Cloister: Pious Motives, Illicit Interests, and Occult Approaches to the Medieval Universe by Sophie Page
3.0
Note: I obtained this book to do research for a historic fantasy novel. My opinions should not necessarily be taken as an academic evaluation.
Despite the intriguing title, this work looks to be of relatively minor use for my research. Although the general format and coverage is similar to other studies of magical texts, the contents feel at once more superficial and more anecdotal. There is a great deal of focus on the physical texts and their relationships but their content is mostly discussed narrowly in terms of “case studies”. The author’s primary purpose is to examine the integration of magical interests with a monastic life, so it’s understandable that there is less of a focus on the practial aspects of magical practice.
Despite the intriguing title, this work looks to be of relatively minor use for my research. Although the general format and coverage is similar to other studies of magical texts, the contents feel at once more superficial and more anecdotal. There is a great deal of focus on the physical texts and their relationships but their content is mostly discussed narrowly in terms of “case studies”. The author’s primary purpose is to examine the integration of magical interests with a monastic life, so it’s understandable that there is less of a focus on the practial aspects of magical practice.