‘An enchanting, yet eminently accessible, tour of the magical and mysterious in European thought from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. The real wizardry is how Waddell masterfully explains the uniqueness of early modern views of magic, religion and nature, while emphasizing the profound links between this past and our present.'
Matthew James Crawford - Kent State University
‘Waddell provides a superb review of the intersections among belief systems and underlines the great extent to which they determined early modern lived experience. Magic, Science, and Religion in Early Modern Europe is deftly written and invites the reader to imagine as well as learn, to engage curiosity and passion as well as intellect. It is a triumph in the genre.'
Allison Kavey - CUNY John Jay College and CUNY Graduate Center
‘Waddell’s book is a brilliant work of synthesis and, in effect, he performs his own kind of alchemy, transforming heavyweight theories in the history and philosophy of science into crystal clear, accessible prose, creating a rich summary of his topic in just over 200 pages. Magic, Science, and Religion in Early Modern Europe will be a staple on student reading lists for years to come.’
Ross MacFarlane
Source: Fortean Times
‘... a very helpful bibliographical essay offering suggestions for further reading.’
José Manuel Lozano-Gotor
Source: ESSSAT News & Reviews
‘This fascinating and detailed study enables a deeper understanding of the dynamics and development of modernity and makes a valuable contribution to European history …’
Nicole Maria Bauer
Source: Religious Studies Review
'This book is suitable for an undergraduate course in the history of science … A person with no background in the subject would also find this an accessible entry point into the subject …'
Jason M. Rampelt
Source: Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith