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.'

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 5424th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Man And The Natural World

    Changing Attitudes in England 1500-1800

    This insightful exploration delves into the evolving relationship between humans and nature from the Renaissance to the early 19th century, highlighting the profound shifts in perception and interaction. It examines how societal, religious, and scientific developments influenced attitudes towards animals, plants, and the environment. The narrative reveals the transition from seeing nature as a resource to be exploited to recognizing its intrinsic value and the moral considerations that emerged as humanity's understanding of the natural world deepened. Through a rich tapestry of historical anecdotes and philosophical reflections, the work offers a comprehensive look at the changing dynamics between man and nature.

    The 9884th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Clarity

    In a gripping blend of psychological thriller and speculative fiction, the story follows Dr. Matilda Deacon, a psychologist who encounters Ashanique, a young girl with the extraordinary ability to access ancestral memories. As Matilda delves deeper into the mystery of Ashanique's gift, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens to exploit this power for nefarious purposes. The narrative weaves through a labyrinth of suspense, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration, as Matilda races against time to protect Ashanique and unravel the truth behind the enigmatic phenomenon.

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  4. 4. In Pursuit Of Civility

    Manners and Civilisation in Early Modern England

    A concise cultural history examining how English notions of politeness and civility developed from the early modern period onward, showing how changing expectations about manners—shaped by etiquette manuals, sermons, domestic life, print culture, and urbanization—regulated personal conduct and reflected broader shifts in class, religion, and social order; it argues that practices of self-control, shame, and empathy became social virtues that helped produce modern civilized behaviour.

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