Medieval Marvels and Fictions in the Latin West and Islamic World

More about the book

Marvels like enchanted rings and sorcerers' stones captivated the Middle Ages, appearing not only in romance and travel literature but also in philosophical writings. This book uniquely analyzes these varied texts, comparing works from the Latin West (including English, French, Italian, and Spanish) and Arabic on magical objects with inexplicable powers. The author reveals the parallels between Arabic and Latin thought, highlighting how the strange and unfamiliar traverse genres and cultures, providing insights into intercultural exchange. By exploring the notion of near-impossibility, the author navigates a diverse archive, defining the limits of nature's capabilities and human creativity. Imagination plays a crucial role, investing marvels with distinct character and power. It blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, endowing marvels with indeterminacy and interdisciplinary qualities. These near-impossibilities challenge readers to explore the full potential of nature and intellect. The author presents a rare comparative perspective and a new methodology for studying a topic central to medieval culture, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interplay between different cultural narratives and the marvels that arise from them.