History of Magic and Experimental Science (Vol. 1&2) (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Study on Alchemy & Pseudoscience During the First Thirteen Centuries of Our EraBy Lynn Thorndike
Length77h 58m
About this audiobook
Lynn Thorndike's History of Magic and Experimental Science (Vol. 1&2) is a monumental inquiry into the intertwined development of learned magic, astrology, alchemy, medicine, natural philosophy, and empirical inquiry from antiquity through the thirteenth century. Written in a rigorous documentary style, the work resists triumphalist narratives of science by showing how experimental habits often emerged within traditions modern readers might call occult. Its dense citations, manuscript learning, and comparative method place it among the foundational works of early twentieth-century intellectual history. Thorndike, an American medievalist and historian of science, was trained to read the Middle Ages on its own terms rather than as a mere prelude to modernity. His scholarly career was shaped by a desire to recover neglected Latin, Arabic, and scholastic sources and to explain how medieval thinkers classified nature, causality, marvels, and authority. This background enabled him to treat magic not as superstition alone, but as part of a broader culture of investigation. This book is essential for readers interested in the prehistory of science, medieval thought, and the porous boundary between reason and wonder. Though demanding, it rewards patient reading with a vast, nuanced map of Western intellectual transformation.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★★ 4.5 (48)
Includes LibraryThing, Goodreads, Amazon
GenreHistory
Length77 hrs 58 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateOct 7, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1History of Magic and Experimental Science (Vol. 1&2) (Annotated)
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Volume 1
Show all chaptersShow less
6Book I. The Roman Empire (pt. 1)
7Book I. The Roman Empire (pt. 2)
8Book I. The Roman Empire (pt. 3)
9Book I. The Roman Empire (pt. 4)
10Book I. The Roman Empire (pt. 5)
11Book II.Early Christian Thought (pt. 1)
12Book II.Early Christian Thought (pt. 2)
13Book II.Early Christian Thought (pt. 3)
14Book III. The Early Middle Ages (pt. 1)
15Book III. The Early Middle Ages (pt. 2)
16Book III. The Early Middle Ages (pt. 3)
17Book III. The Early Middle Ages (pt. 4)
18Book III. The Early Middle Ages (pt. 5)
19Book III. The Early Middle Ages (pt. 6)
20Book III. The Early Middle Ages (pt. 7)
21Volume 2
22Book IV. The Twelfth Century (pt. 1)
23Book IV. The Twelfth Century (pt. 2)
24Book IV. The Twelfth Century (pt. 3)
25Book IV. The Twelfth Century (pt. 4)
26Book IV. The Twelfth Century (pt. 5)
27Book IV. The Twelfth Century (pt. 6)
28Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 1)
29Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 2)
30Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 3)
31Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 4)
32Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 5)
33Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 6)
34Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 7)
35Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 8)
36Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 9)
37Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 10)
38Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 11)
39Book V. The Thirteenth Century (pt. 12)
40Analysis
41Reflection
42Memorable Quotes
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