Francis Young Books

Focusing on the English Catholic community's engagement with the supernatural, this book examines their responses within the broader frameworks of the Counter-Reformation and early modern confessional culture. It seeks to fill a gap in the literature by highlighting the community's perspectives on preternatural and supernatural phenomena, thereby enriching the understanding of their social history during a time of significant religious upheaval.

A game-changing exploration of the 'small gods' of nature and everyday life in Britain from the Iron Age to the late Middle Ages. It addresses fauns and satyrs, fairies and elves, nymphs and forest sprites - shadowy deities of fate and chance - who dance their elusive way through Britain's history.

This Element examines hierarchical and clerical understandings of witchcraft within the contemporary Roman Catholic church. It explores whether it is possible to adopt any kind of coherent approach to a phenomenon appraised so differently across different cultures that the church's responses in one context are likely to seem irrelevant in another.

This edition of Euclid's classic geometry textbook includes detailed explanatory notes from Francis Young based on Robert Simson's original text. Topics covered in Book I include basic Euclidean geometry principles such as lines, angles, triangles, and circles.

Contemporary exorcism in England has seen a notable resurgence, particularly within independent churches, despite the Church of England's historical skepticism towards such practices. Francis Young explores how the Anglican Church, which once viewed exorcisms as superstition, has adapted by designating clergy for "deliverance ministry" since the 1970s. This shift represents a significant and unlikely evolution within a tradition that historically condemned the expulsion of evil spirits, highlighting the complexities of faith and belief in modern society.

Originally published in 1871, this reprint offers a glimpse into the historical context and themes of its time. The book captures the essence of its era through its narrative style and character development, providing readers with an authentic experience of the period. Its enduring relevance and insights into societal norms make it a valuable addition to any collection, appealing to both history enthusiasts and literary scholars.

Focusing on a significant Catholic family in early modern East Anglia, the narrative explores their profound impact on the surrounding community. It delves into the family's social, cultural, and religious influence, highlighting their role in shaping local dynamics during a pivotal historical period. Through detailed accounts, the book illustrates the intersection of personal and communal identities within the context of Catholicism in a predominantly Protestant society.

The book presents a translation of the Peterborough Lapidary, a significant medieval English treatise exploring the occult powers of stones and gems. It details 145 stones, depicting them as living entities with various abilities, including spirit communication, healing, and future prediction. The manuscript offers insights into natural and ritual magic, along with methods to harness the latent powers of stones. Its themes resonate with medieval necromancy, covering topics like invisibility, love magic, and the creation of magical mirrors.

An illuminating historical study of an often overlooked section of the Anglican clergy, tracing the role of the diaconate from the Reformation to the present day and clarifying the debate about its future.