Witchcraft; astrology; divination; and every kind of popular magic flourished in England during the 16th and 17th centuries; from the belief that a blessed amulet could prevent the assaults of the Devil to the use of the same charms to recover stolen goods. At the same time the Protestant Reformation attempted to take the magic out of religion; and scientists were developing new explanations of the universe. Keith Thomas's classic analysis of beliefs held on every level of English society begins with the collapse of the medieval Church and ends with the changing intellectual atmosphere around 1700; when science and rationalism began to challenge the older systems of belief.
#865335 in Books 1999-11-26 1988-02-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.16 x .59 x 7.48l; 1.22 #File Name: 0140096531300 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. PowerfulBy Mark GrossmanI first read this book in college and it has stayed with me for the last 25 years. Through the various moves; I lost this book and am happy to have it back in my collection. When my children are old enough to read it; this will be the most important book they read and I hope it instills in them the same understanding of the potential for man's inhumanity to man as it instilled in me and I hope it keeps them keenly aware of when people begin to slide down that long and dangerous slippery slope. I also hope it teaches them the concept of true bravery and the value of fighting for something larger than oneself. In short; this book has the potential to make us all better people by exposing both the worst and the best that man can be. You can not read it and remain unchanged.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. The Civil Rights PrimerBy Fred T.This companion book deserves space on your library if you are serious about history or what solid documentation for future reference. The Eyes on the Prize series was revolutionary as it wove a critical piece of modern history which was easy for anyone to absorb. The book comes with solid pictures and other tidbits which put you right in the drama which unfolded on the national scene. I have my differences with Juan Williams; however he did a good job in writing the book.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Book on the Civil Rights JourneyBy TJMjrIf I taught 20th century history I would include " Eyes On the Prize" as a key part of my course. High schools; colleges and Church groups should also use this book to guide any discussions on racism and the hisotry of the civil rights era. An excellent chronology with the necessary detail that lays out the start of the Civil rights journey through 1968. Well written; easily understood and based on facts this book identifies the long difficult fight for equality. The underlying truth that makes this book so good is that those who marched; conducted sit-ins and died used the US Constitution as the basis to right the wrongs of inequlaity and racism.
