John Dee, The World of an Elizabethan Magus by Peter J. French

John Dee, The World of an Elizabethan Magus by Peter J. French

John Dee was Renaissance England's first great Hermetic magus, a philosopher-magician in the Continental tradition of Marsilio Ficino, Pico della Mirandola and Henry Cornelius Agrippa. But unlike these men he was also a respected practical scientist. This study of Dee shows that he was truly a universal man who investigated all areas of knowledge. Not only magic and science, but geography, antiquarianism, theology and the fine arts were fields in which he was deeply involved, and Peter French here demonstrates that Dee's varied interests were integrated into a single philosophy.

Through his teaching, writing and friendships with many of the most important figures of the age, Dee had a profound influence on certain of the major developments in sixteenth-century England. By examining his philosophy and placing this extraordinary individual within his proper historical context, Dr French directs much new light on the intellectual life of the Elizabethan Age. The ideas which inspired Sir Philip Sidney and his circle, the evolution of science and the successful rise of antiquarianism are all seen to be indebted to John Dee and his immense learning. Dr French examines in detail the black legend which grew up about Dee after his death and has influenced later thinking about him. He also looks at the court circles where astrology and magic were rile, and follows Dee's fortunes in changing political circumstances.

Details

• Hardcover with dust jacket
• Condition: Very good, the jacket has light signs of use but is protected with a plastic jacket, red cloth with gold gilded letters, no notes/stamps, very clean copy. 
• 1st Edition 1972, Rare & collectible
• ISBN: 0710071582 
• Publisher: Routledge & Kegan Paul