Binding Words: Textual Amulets in the Middle Ages - Brossura

Skemer, Don C.

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0271027231 ISBN 13: 9780271027234

Casa editrice: Pennsylvania State Univ Pr, 2006

Riassunto

In the Middle Ages, textual amulets&;short texts written on parchment or paper and worn on the body&;were thought to protect the bearer against enemies, to heal afflictions caused by demonic invasions, and to bring the wearer good fortune. In Binding Words, Don C. Skemer provides the first book-length study of this once-common means of harnessing the magical power of words.

Textual amulets were a unique source of empowerment, promising the believer safe passage through a precarious world by means of an ever-changing mix of scriptural quotations, divine names, common prayers, and liturgical formulas. Although theologians and canon lawyers frequently derided textual amulets as ignorant superstition, many literate clergy played a central role in producing and disseminating them. The texts were, in turn, embraced by a broad cross-section of Western Europe. Saints and parish priests, physicians and village healers, landowners and peasants alike believed in their efficacy.

Skemer offers careful analysis of several dozen surviving textual amulets along with other contemporary medieval source materials. In the process, Binding Words enriches our understanding of popular religion and magic in everyday medieval life.

Su questo libro

Informazioni sull?autore

Don C. Skemer is Curator of Manuscripts in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Princeton University's Harvey S. Firestone Memorial Library.

Dettagli dell?edizione

• Editore: Pennsylvania State Univ Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 2006
• Lingua: Inglese
• ISBN 10: 0271027231
• ISBN 13: 9780271027234
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 327
• Contatto del produttore: non disponibile
• Persona responsabile: non disponibile