Religion And The Decline Of Magic by Keith Thomas

This scholarly work provides a comprehensive examination of the interplay between magic, religion, and science in sixteenth and seventeenth-century England. It explores how the Protestant Reformation and the rise of scientific thinking led to a decline in the practice of magic. The book delves into the ways people sought to understand and control their world before the widespread acceptance of the scientific method, analyzing why individuals turned to magic and how the Church and state responded. It also considers the transition from a society where magical beliefs were mainstream to one where they were increasingly marginalized and ridiculed, offering a detailed account of this significant cultural shift.

The 1807th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 213

Since this book was first published in 1971, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 213.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.