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The Queen's Conjurer:

The Life and Magic of Dr Dee
Front Cover
24 Reviews
Flamingo, 2001 - Occultists - 394 pages
A spellbinding portrait of Queen Elizabeth's conjuror the great philosopher, scientist and magician, Dr John Dee (15271608) and a history of Renaissance science that could well be the next 'Longitude'. John Dee was one of the most influential philosophers of the Elizabethan Age. A close confidant of Queen Elizabeth, he helped to introduce mathematics to England, promoted the idea of maths as the basis of science, anticipated the invention of the telescope, charted the New World, and created one of the most magnificent libraries in Europe. At the height of his fame, Dee was poised to become one of the greats of the Renaissance. Yet he died in poverty and obscurity his crime was to dabble in magic. Based on Dee's secret diaries which record in fine detail his experiments with the occult, Woolley's bestselling book is a rich brew of Elizabethan court intrigue, science, intellectual exploration, discovery and misfortune. And it tells the story of one man's epic but very personal struggle to come to terms with the fundamental dichotomy of the scientific age at the point it arose: the choice between ancient wisdom and modern science as the path to truth.

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Review: The Queen's Conjurer: The Science and Magic of Dr. John Dee, Advisor to Queen Elizabeth I

User Review  - Eddy Allen - Goodreads

A fascinating portrait of one of the most brilliant, complex, and colorful figures of the Renaissance. Although his accomplishments were substantial -- he became a trusted confidante to Queen ... Read full review

Review: The Queen's Conjurer: The Science and Magic of Dr. John Dee, Advisor to Queen Elizabeth I

User Review  - Runedrake - Goodreads

useful Read full review

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About the author (2001)

Benjamin Woolley, writer & broadcaster, covers both the arts & the sciences. His writing includes "Virtual Worlds," a book on virtual reality, "Bride of Science," a biography of Byron's brilliant daughter, & contributions to various British periodicals. He lives in London.

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