![The English Reformation [2nd Edition]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51i4CQ6vTHL._SL210_.jpg)
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.
#1227888 in Books 1991-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.44 x 6.00l; #File Name: 0271007982461 pages
Review
11 of 18 people found the following review helpful. My Favourite Course BookBy A CustomerAlthough this was not one of my tutor's recommended "books to buy" I have bought it anyhow. Although Dickens' descriptions of The English Reformation are; at times; simplistic; this book is invaluable for gaining an overview of what was going on during the period. I recommend it to any college student; as a springboard to more weightier tomes.11 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Important in its day; now discreditedBy Ken HGroundbreaking for its use of local evidence (wills; church records; etc); Dickens' thesis has since been convincingly overturned. His argument that "A multitude of nagging testamentary and tithe causes; lay resentment against the moral jurisdiction and the heavy probate fees of the church courts; the rise of lay education; humanist biblical criticism;... the declining reputation of the Roman Curia... and many more [influences] had created before the meeting of the Reformation Parliament an atmosphere little short of explosive.." (p. 326) fell at the hands of Revisionists like Eamon Duffy (see his The Stripping of the Alters; 1992; and Fires of Faith; 2009).Dickens work is too Protestant triumphalist to be taken seriously today. For example; on the martyrs of Mary Tudor's reign; he wrote that they had "a wealth of human fortitude; of `civil courage'; of adherence to mere principle which the English in their history have seldom found a comparable chance to display". (p. 271) Who needs that much artificial sweetener?If you want a balanced; well-written; up-to-date narrative of the Reformation during the Tudor period utilizing the latest research; try Alec Ryrie's "The Age of Reformation." (2009)3 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Much needed; well researched; a little boringBy A CustomerCloser to 3.5 stars.To learn that the English Reformation had its own history rather than one piggybacking off of that of Germany and France is invaluable. The examination of characters such as Wycliffe; the Lollards; and other precursors to the Reformation was great.I understand that the type of research Dickens did concerning land ownership; wills; etc. is not exactly stimulating to read about; but I wish he would have written in a slightly more enjoyable manner.
