The Magical Adventures of Mary Parish: The Occult World of Seventeenth-Century London (Early Modern Studies)

Mary Parish wasn’t your ordinary seventeenth-century woman. She was a “cunning woman, ” who spent her time in the realm of magic, interacting with fairies, hunting for buried treasures, and communicating with the spirit world, along with her partner, the young aristocrat Goodwin Wharton. Drawing largely from Goodwin’s personal journals, Frances Timbers reconstructs Mary’s life in this microhistory, and explores themes of class, gender, and relationships in seventeenth-century England. Mary’s story provides insight into magical beliefs and practices of early modern history, and sheds light on how class and gender affected everyday life. Down The Rabbit Hole -- A Cunning Woman -- Fairies And Fantasies -- A Curious George -- Matters Of Marriage -- Sex And Succession -- The Pleasures Of Venus And The Pains Of Eve -- The Trauma Of Treasure Hunting -- Heavenly Hosts -- Mary's Crucible -- Politics. By Frances Timbers. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 191-204) And Index.