The National Covenant in Scotland, 1638–1689. Chris R. Langley, ed. Studies in Early Modern Cultural, Political and Social History 37. Rochester, NY: Boydell & Brewer, 2020. xii + 252 pp. $130.

Abstract

familiar spirits; the significance of dreams, visions, and prophecies; and the materiality of ritual magic that could not do without a great variety of magic artifacts. In addition, the editors direct the readers’ attention to some issues that seem particularly important for understanding the Tudor necromancy. These include, in particular, the role played by cunning men, who, while being usually associated with popular rural magic, were in fact hardly distinguishable from learned magicians. The highlight is also on the communal nature of ritual magic, apparently practiced by men who formed a kind of professional network. It is fascinating to think about early Tudor necromancers in terms of a community or fellowship whose members collaborated by discussing their art, exchanging expertise, and planning common magical enterprises. The Magic of Rogues is an inspiring book that encourages readers to look at English necromancy in a novel manner.