Synopses & Reviews
Outlandish alchemist and magician, political intelligencer, apocalyptic prophet, and converser with angels, John Dee (1527and#8211;1609) was one of the most colorful and controversial figures of the Tudor world. In this fascinating bookand#8212;the first full-length biography of Dee based on primary historical sourcesand#8212;Glyn Parry explores Deeand#8217;s vast array of political, magical, and scientific writings and finds that they cast significant new light on policy struggles in the Elizabethan court, conservative attacks on magic, and Europe's religious wars. John Dee was more than just a fringe magus, Parry shows: he was a major figure of the Reformation and Renaissance.
Review
“Parry has assembled an important contribution to our understanding of how magic became science.”—Philip Ball, Nature Philip Ball
Review
“In a meticulously researched study, Glyn Parry reassesses Dees reputation as a maverick figure on the margins and instead places him at the very heart of the Elizabethan court…a colourful, charismatic and controversial character, Dee is brought to life to great effect”—Anna Whitelock, BBC History Magazine Nature
Review
“With this learned book, Parry has rescued Dee from the shadows of his own secrecy and restored him as a glittering light in the magical Elizabethan firmament.”—Nigel Jones, The Sunday Telegraph Anna Whitelock - BBC History Magazine
Synopsis
Based on primary documents, this new biography of John Dee, the great magus of the Elizabethan world, challenges many of our beliefs about his occult, religious, and political involvements.
About the Author
Glyn Parry is professor of history at Northumbria University, Newcastle.