Magical Treasure Hunting in Europe and North America : A History - Johannes Dillinger

Magical Treasure Hunting in Europe and North America

A History

By: Johannes Dillinger

Hardcover | 15 December 2011 | Edition Number 1

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In this, the first comprehensive history of magical treasure hunting, Johannes Dillinger, a leading expert on the history of folk belief, brings together a huge variety of British, European and American source materials. They range from medieval epics and the records of early modern witch trials to legends from the Wild West, SS files and outr websites. The study reconstructs a magical universe of treasure-guarding angels, fairies and ghosts, of wizards who were willing to face demons in order to get rich quickly, of resourceful tricksters exploiting creed and stupidity, and of ever watchful but often credulous and profit-seeking authorities. Looking over a long time-period, from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, Dillinger not only reveals a rich and enduring magical culture but also the influence of new concepts of history and of the past. Combining history and anthropology, the study suggests an encompassing interpretation of treasure hunting that embeds the magic of the treasure in the changes of economic culture.
Industry Reviews

'The pursuit of buried treasure was one of the favourite activities of ritual magicians of early modern Europe: indeed in some places and times, such as parts of eighteenth-century Germany, it was the act of magic that most often brought individuals before the law courts. Nonetheless, it has been neglected by historians of early modern Europe, and so the appearance of a full-length treatment of it is both timely and valuable. Johannes Dillinger is a good person for the job. ... a notable contribution ... Johannes Dillinger has neatly filled another portion of the history of European magic.' - Ronald Sutton, Time and Mind

'This is a fascinating and complex book, and although scholarly is very accessible, even just for the remarkable collection of narratives of treasure hunting expeditions.' John Rimmer, The Magonia Review of Books

'...this book should be required reading for anyone interested in the field of early modern magic, with a possible interest to those interested in various aspects of treasure folklore and Renaissance era law.' - Daniel Harms, Papers Falling from an Attic Window

'One of the most ground-shifting books I've ever read The first full treatment of the topic has yielded exciting results.' - Steve Fleming, The Juvenile Instructor

Other Editions and Formats

Paperback

Published: 1st January 2012

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