Demons and Illness from Antiquity to the Early-modern Period
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By: Siam Bhayro, Catherine Rider
Demons and Illness from Antiquity to the Early-Modern Period explores the relationship between demons and illness from the ancient world to the early modern period. Its twenty chapters range from Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt to seventeenth-century England and Spain, and include studies of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
AI Overview
Title: "Demons and Illness from Antiquity to the Early-Modern Period"
Editors: Siam Bhayro and Catherine Rider
Overview: The book "Demons and Illness from Antiquity to the Early-Modern Period" is a collection of essays that explores the complex relationship between demons, illness, and medicine across various historical periods. The volume originated from an international conference held in 2013 and is part of the "Magical and Religious Literature of Late Antiquity" series published by Koninklijke Brill NV.
Key Themes:
- Historical-Cultural Links: The book examines the historical and cultural links between demons, illness, medicine, and magic. It delves into how these entities were perceived and interacted with in different societies across time.
- Preternatural Philosophy: The volume explores preternatural philosophy and superstitious cures in historical contexts, including the role of demons in healing practices and the challenges posed by these beliefs in early modern times.
- Comparative Explorations: The book provides a comparative framework for understanding the evolution of beliefs and practices related to demons and illness. It highlights both commonalities and differences in how these concepts were understood across various cultures and historical periods.
Plot Summary: The book is structured as a collection of essays, each focusing on a specific aspect of the relationship between demons and illness. Chapters cover topics such as:
- Demons and Illness in Second Temple Judaism: This chapter examines the theoretical and practical aspects of demon-related illnesses in Jewish traditions.
- Illness and Healing through Spell and Incantation: This section discusses the role of magical practices in healing and the impact of these practices on understanding illness.
- The Post-Reformation Challenge to Demonic Possession: This chapter explores how the Reformation influenced perceptions of demonic possession and the challenges it posed to traditional healing practices.
- Healing with Demons? Preternatural Philosophy and Superstitious Cures: This essay examines the use of preternatural philosophy and superstitious cures in Spanish Inquisitorial Courts, highlighting the complex interplay between medical and magical practices.
Critical Reception: The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive scope and coherence. Critics have noted that while the volume is illustrative rather than comprehensive, it provides a significant resource for comparative explorations of historical-cultural links between demons, illness, medicine, and magic. The introduction and afterword are particularly praised for helping to draw out the threads of commonality and difference across the various chapters.
Conclusion: "Demons and Illness from Antiquity to the Early-Modern Period" is a valuable resource for scholars interested in the historical and cultural dimensions of demonology and its impact on medical practices. The book offers a nuanced understanding of how complex entities like demons were perceived and interacted with in different societies across time, providing a rich foundation for further research and comparative analysis.