{"product_id":"binding-words-textual-amulets-in-the-middle-ages-9780271027234","title":"Binding Words: Textual Amulets in the Middle Ages","description":"\u003cp\u003e • Author(s): Don C. Skemer\u003cbr\u003e • Publisher: Penn State University Press\u003cbr\u003e • Publisher Imprint: Penn State University Press\u003cbr\u003e • BISAC: Europe - Medieval\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the Middle Ages, textual amulets--short texts written on parchment or paper and worn on the body--were thought to protect the bearer against enemies, to heal afflictions caused by demonic invasions, and to bring the wearer good fortune. In \u003ci\u003eBinding Words\u003c\/i\u003e, Don C. Skemer provides the first book-length study of this once-common means of harnessing the magical power of words. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTextual amulets were a unique source of empowerment, promising the believer safe passage through a precarious world by means of an ever-changing mix of scriptural quotations, divine names, common prayers, and liturgical formulas. Although theologians and canon lawyers frequently derided textual amulets as ignorant superstition, many literate clergy played a central role in producing and disseminating them. The texts were, in turn, embraced by a broad cross-section of Western Europe. Saints and parish priests, physicians and village healers, landowners and peasants alike believed in their efficacy. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSkemer offers careful analysis of several dozen surviving textual amulets along with other contemporary medieval source materials. In the process, \u003ci\u003eBinding Words\u003c\/i\u003e enriches our understanding of popular religion and magic in everyday medieval life.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penn State University Press","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":47892064436375,"sku":"9780271027234","price":5935.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0666\/3471\/1191\/files\/9780271027234.webp?v=1781185628","url":"https:\/\/atlanticbooks.com\/products\/binding-words-textual-amulets-in-the-middle-ages-9780271027234","provider":"Atlantic Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}