Magical Imaginations

Instrumental Aesthetics in the English Renaissance

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Medieval, Nonfiction, Entertainment, Drama, Greek & Roman
Cover of the book Magical Imaginations by Genevieve Guenther, University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Genevieve Guenther ISBN: 9781442693968
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division Publication: January 30, 2012
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Genevieve Guenther
ISBN: 9781442693968
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Publication: January 30, 2012
Imprint:
Language: English

In the English Renaissance, poetry was imagined to inspire moral behaviour in its readers, but the efficacy of poetry was also linked to 'conjuration,' the theologically dangerous practice of invoking spirits with words. Magical Imaginations explores how major writers of the period – including Spenser, Marlowe, and Shakespeare – negotiated this troubling link between poetry and magic in their attempts to transform readers and audiences with the power of art.

Through analyses of texts ranging from sermons and theological treatises to medical tracts and legal documents, Genevieve Guenther sheds new light on magic as a cultural practice in early modern England. She demonstrates that magic was a highly pragmatic, even cynical endeavor infiltrating unexpected spheres – including Elizabethan taxation policy and Jacobean political philosophy. With this new understanding of early modern magic, and a fresh context for compelling readings of classic literary works, Magical Imaginations reveals the central importance of magic to English literary history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In the English Renaissance, poetry was imagined to inspire moral behaviour in its readers, but the efficacy of poetry was also linked to 'conjuration,' the theologically dangerous practice of invoking spirits with words. Magical Imaginations explores how major writers of the period – including Spenser, Marlowe, and Shakespeare – negotiated this troubling link between poetry and magic in their attempts to transform readers and audiences with the power of art.

Through analyses of texts ranging from sermons and theological treatises to medical tracts and legal documents, Genevieve Guenther sheds new light on magic as a cultural practice in early modern England. She demonstrates that magic was a highly pragmatic, even cynical endeavor infiltrating unexpected spheres – including Elizabethan taxation policy and Jacobean political philosophy. With this new understanding of early modern magic, and a fresh context for compelling readings of classic literary works, Magical Imaginations reveals the central importance of magic to English literary history.

More books from University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division

Cover of the book The Cast of Character by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Love and Compassion by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Critical Approaches to Rubén Darío by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Women and the Limits of Citizenship in the French Revolution by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Knight of the Holy Spirit by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Human Expeditions by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book A Frenchman in Search of Franklin by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book The Judicial Committee and the British North America Act by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book In the Presence of Each Other by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Iberianism and Crisis by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book The State, Business, and Industrial Change in Canada by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Welfare Hot Buttons by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Spirits of the Rockies by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book Legitimizing the Artist by Genevieve Guenther
Cover of the book North America in Question by Genevieve Guenther
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy