The Book of Secrets of Albertus Magnus: Of the Virtues of Herbs, Stones, and Certain Beasts, Also a Book of the Marvels of the World
Publishing Details
The Book of Secrets of Albertus Magnus: Of the Virtues of Herbs, Stones, and Certain Beasts, Also a Book of the Marvels of the World
By (Author) Michael R. Best
Edited by Frank H. Brightman
Red Wheel/Weiser
Red Wheel/Weiser
9th November 2000
United States
Classifications
General
Non Fiction
Witchcraft and wicca
610.902
Physical Properties
176
Width 139mm, Height 203mm
Description
In order to attract readers, it was not uncommon for magical texts of the 16th century to take on the name of a notable figure. Such is the case with "The Book of Secrets of Albertus Magnus", whose secrets are, in fact, a compilation from a number of different sources by an anonymous author who was, according to editors Best and Brightman, probably one of Albertus Magnus' followers. Though it "...pretends to be a product of his experimental school among the Dominicans at Cologne", for the most part it has a more colloquial voice than that of Albertus Magnus and so provides a far more accurate portrayal of the magical culture that predominated in the 16th century. The secrets contained are divided into five distinct parts: Of the Virtues of Herbs, Of the Virtues of Stones, Of the Virtues of Beasts, Of the Planets, and The Marvels of the World.
