Synopses & Reviews
Merlin the Magician has remained an enthralling and curious individual since he was first introduced in the twelfth century though the pages of Geoffrey of Monmouthand#8217;s
Historia Regum Britanniae.and#160; But 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.
The 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 realand#8212;and useful, for they helped to add credibility to the "long-lost" history of Britain which first revealed them to a European public. Merlinand#8217;s prophecies reassuringly foretold Britainand#8217;s path, establishing an ancient ancestral line and linking biblical prophecy with more recent times. Merlin helped to put British history into world history.
Lawrence-Mathers also explores the meaning of Merlinand#8217;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 Merlinand#8217;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.
Review
and#8220;Accesible to anyone who has an interest in the legendary musician.and#8221;and#8212;
ChoiceReview
and#8220;Enjoyable to read. . . and contains much new information for scholars. It deserves to attract attention from a wide readership.and#8221;
and#8212;The Journal of British StudiesSynopsis
Who was the historical Merlin?
About the Author
Anne Lawrence-Mathers is senior lecturer in medieval history at the University of Reading.