Keith Thomas

Keith Thomas is a renowned British historian, best known for his work on the social and cultural history of early modern England. His influential books include 'Religion and the Decline of Magic' and 'Man and the Natural World.'

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Religion And The Decline Of Magic

    Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England

    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 5161st Greatest Book of All Time