The Arch-Conjuror of England, By Glyn Parry

Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Elizabethan England may seem close to us in Shakespeare but this revelatory portrait of John Dee reveals a very different world.

Though a practical mathematician, Dee was also an energetic practitioner of alchemy, astrology and sintrillia, ("divination by reflecting celestial rays on to polished surfaces"). The Elizabethan court hedged its bets but the tide was flowing against magic.

Departing for Prague to advise the monarch, Dee pursued scrying (communicating with angels), culminating in "the 16th century's most remarkable account of angelic magic".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

The Arch-Conjuror of England, By Glyn Parry

Bookmark popover

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering