ICMS 2025: Science and Magic in Lawman and in the Brut Tradition (9/25; 5-8-10)
This session engages recent scholarship on magic and science (or natural philosophy) in the Brut, as well as in the wider Brut tradition, including work on astronomy and on the Merlinian prophecies. As evidence points to Lawman's participation in the intellectual, philosophical, and theological currents of late twelfth/early thirteenth-century England, the session invites proposals on topics related to science and magic--broadly conceived--in Lawman and in analogous Brut texts. The session allows for a wide range of potential topics, including prophecy, demonology, astronomy, medicine, alchemy, the bestiary, dream theory, the miraculous, Welsh magical traditions, and other references to the natural and preternatural worlds. Inclusion of other texts in the Brut tradition allows for discussion of Lawman in broader historiographic and literary contexts. Thus, proposals discussing how Lawman differs from Wace or Geoffrey and/or from other Brut texts in his treatment of these topics are also welcome.
This is a hybrid session, with online and in-person proposals considered. Please submit proposals to https://icms.confex.com/icms/2025/paper/papers/index.cgi?sessionid=6321
For additional information, please contact
Ken Tiller
Professor English
Director, Center for Medieval-Renaissance Studies
University of Virginia-Wise