Magic, Science, and Religion in Early Modern Europe, by Mark A. Waddell.

Klaassen, Frank

Mark A. Waddell's book, "Magic, Science, and Religion in Early Modern Europe," published by Cambridge University Press in 2021, explores the relationship between magic, science, and religion from the late Middle Ages through the Enlightenment. The book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of intellectual changes during the Early Modern period, emphasizing continuities with the past rather than a dramatic break. While the book focuses heavily on conceptualization and theory, it has limitations in its discussion of the actual practice of magic and the exclusion of common people and women from its narrative. Despite these shortcomings, the book is engaging, accessible, and offers valuable insights into the history of ideas during this period.

MAGIC, Science & Religion in Early Modern Europe (Book); PHILOSOPHY of nature; HISTORY of science; DEMONOLOGY; WITCHCRAFT; ENLIGHTENMENT; HISTORY of medicine; ALCHEMY

Aries, 2025, Vol 25, Issue 1, p147

1567-9896

Review

10.1163/15700593-tat00017