{"title":"Anne Lawrence-Mathers","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelve into the captivating world of medieval history and magic with the works of Anne Lawrence-Mathers. A distinguished historian, Anne Lawrence-Mathers is renowned for her engaging exploration of mediaeval esotericism and its intriguing interplay with historical facts. Her books provide a unique perspective on the past by interweaving the mystical with the factual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong her celebrated works, \u003cem\u003eThe Magic Books\u003c\/em\u003e offers readers a deep dive into the mysterious world of medieval magic manuscripts. This book unpacks how these ancient texts were perceived and utilised, shedding light on the mediaeval mindset and society’s relationship with the occult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe True History of Merlin the Magician\u003c\/em\u003e is another must-read in her collection, where Anne Lawrence-Mathers meticulously reveals the myth and reality behind one of the most enigmatic figures of legend. This work not only draws upon historical sources but also examines how Merlin's legendary narrative has evolved over centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone fascinated by the enigmatic allure of the Middle Ages or the historical foundations of magical lore, Anne Lawrence-Mathers' books are a treasure trove of insights and revelations. Her engaging writing style makes complex historical themes accessible and enjoyable for all readers.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-magic-books-by-anne-lawrence-mathers-9780300244434","title":"The Magic Books","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA fascinating and highly original history of medieval magic told through twenty key illuminated manuscripts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMedieval Europe was preoccupied with magic. From the Carolingian Empire to Renaissance Italy and Tudor England, great rulers, religious figures, and scholars sought to harness supernatural power. They tried to summon spirits, predict the future, and even prolong life. Alongside science and religion, magic lay at the very heart of culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this beautifully illustrated account, Anne Lawrence-Mathers explores the medieval fascination with magic through twenty extraordinary illuminated manuscripts. These books were highly sought after, commissioned by kings and stored in great libraries. They include an astronomical compendium made for Charlemagne's son; \u003cem\u003eThe Sworn Book of Honorius\u003c\/em\u003e, used by a secret society of trained magicians; and the highly influential \u003cem\u003ePicatrix\u003c\/em\u003e. This vivid new history shows how attitudes to magic and science changed over the medieval period—and produced great works of art as they did so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46796839878892,"sku":"9780300244434","price":71.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/24442083482294.jpg?v=1757111734"},{"product_id":"the-true-history-of-merlin-the-magician-by-anne-lawrence-mathers-9780300253085","title":"The True History of Merlin the Magician","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho was the historical Merlin?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMerlin the Magician\u003c\/em\u003e has remained an enthralling and curious individual since he was first introduced in the twelfth century through the pages of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s \u003cem\u003eHistoria Regum Britanniae\u003c\/em\u003e. Although the Merlin of literature and Arthurian myth is well known, Merlin the \"historical\" figure and his relation to medieval magic are less familiar. In this book, Anne Lawrence-Mathers explores just who he was and what he has meant to Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical Merlin was no rough magician: he was a learned figure from the cutting edge of medieval science and adept in astrology, cosmology, prophecy, and natural magic, as well as being a seer and a proto-alchemist. His powers were convincingly real—and useful, for they helped to add credibility to the \"long-lost\" history of Britain which first revealed them to a European public. Merlin’s prophecies reassuringly foretold Britain’s path, establishing an ancient ancestral line and linking biblical prophecy with more recent times. Merlin helped to put British history into world history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLawrence-Mathers also explores the meaning of Merlin’s magic across the centuries, arguing that he embodied ancient Christian and pagan magical traditions, recreated for a medieval court and shaped to fit a new moral framework. Linking Merlin’s reality and power with the culture of the Middle Ages, this remarkable book reveals the true impact of the most famous magician of all time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000821694700,"sku":"9780300253085","price":30.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/24528593482294.jpg?v=1763307406"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/anne-lawrence-mathers.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}