Magic in Medieval Manuscripts

In this illustrated talk, medieval magic and astrology specialist Sophie Page shines a light on illuminated manuscripts and other items from our collection to explore magic in the Middle Ages.

Sophie Page is a Lecturer at University College London specialising in the area of European medieval magic and astrology, especially in relation to orthodox religion, natural philosophy, medicine and cosmology. She is also interested in the imagery of medieval magic, especially diagrams, and the history of animals in the Middle Ages.

Sophie's most recent book Magic in the Cloister: Pious Motives, Illicit Interests, and Occult Approaches to the Medieval Universe (Penn State Press) was published in October 2013. In addition she has published an edited collection, The Unorthodox Imagination in Late Medieval Britain (Manchester University Press), articles on learned magic, astrology and the cultural history of animals, and two books with the British Library: Astrology in Medieval Manuscripts and Magic in Medieval Manuscripts. Sophie is currently working on a book on animals and demons in the Middle Ages and an article on diagrams in medieval magic texts.