Description

All things were believable back then – wizards, alchemy, fairies, angels. This is the story of those magical times.

A lyrical and highly atmospheric exploration of the lives of Tudor and Renaissance magicians, men from Dee to Kepler to Bruno, who were also scientists, astrologers, mathematicians and alchemists. Their studies, books and ideas still permeate scientific history, as well as literature and film from Philip Pullman to CS Lewis. But what do we know of the rest of their households – the lovers, wives, mothers and daughters? In The Years of the Wizard Rachel Morris also vividly reimagines the less documented lives of the magicians’ families and lovers. From those who supported the travelling households – packing up the libraries, feeding the assistants, entertaining the patrons, educating the children – as well as those archiving, documenting and collaborating with their magical work.

With vivid storytelling Rachel Morris magically animates both the known past lives of these extraordinary men and the imaginary stories of the less documented women, elders and children in this era of discovery and magic.

Publisher Review

‘Rachel Morris is one of the smartest storytellers I have ever met’ James Rebanks, author of The Shepherd’s Life ‘Absolutely enthralling, a real treasure trove of a book – the marrying of history and speculative fiction made for an immensely evocative and fascinating read. The period leaps off the page, bringing the historical figures to life, and painting a detailed picture of not only the physical surroundings of the Elizabethans, but also their spiritual and metaphysical worlds’ Naomi Kelsey, author of The Burnings ‘A creative, fun history that powerfully evokes the romance of Renaissance magic’
Marion Gibson, author of Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials ‘An exquisitely-crafted, evocative and at times whimsical history that immerses the reader in the mysterious world of Tudor magicians. This is the sort of book that stays with you for a long time’ Tracy Borman, author of Elizabeth’s Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen ‘This is a sparkling mixture of fact and fiction that probably provides the best current introduction for a newcomer to the world of Rennaissance learned magicians. It also consistently recognises the enduring potency of books as vehicles for magic in themselves’ Ronald Hutton, author of Queens of the Wild: Pagan Goddesses in Christian Europe