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The Book of Secrets of Albertus Magnus
 ed. by Michael R. Best and Frank H.
Brightman
$22.95 / Samuel Weiser / 1999
How did a 13th-century Latin manuscript, ignored by serious scholars
for almost 300 years, become a bestselling book in 16th-century
England? Did Albertus Magnus (alchemist, Bishop of Ratisbon,
and alleged creator of the Philosopher's Stone) actually write
it? And what accounted for the book's enduring popularity, even
though it was never taken seriously by those who read it? Editors
Best and Rightman address these and other questions in their
introduction to The Book of Secrets, and, in the process,
untangle the odd publishing history of an equally odd document.
Comparing this book to Magnus' surviving works, the editiors
conclude that it was most likely written by a follower who used
the cleric's name and reputation to give it greater authority.
While reading the text that follows, one is inclined to agree.
The writing is often awkward, with names of plants and animals
arbitrarily invented, recipes for ailments and powers of divination
too general to be accurately reproduced, and source for many
of its claims conspicuously missing.
It was the invention of the printing press that brought The
Book of Secrets its greatest success, and yet the most intriguing
question remains: Why did Elizabethan and Stuart-ers readers
treat the book with such skepticism at a time when witchcraft,
magic, and spirits were accepted as fact? The answer, the editors
show, is not without modern parallels.
As a reference work, The Book of Secrets is an engaging
glimpse into medieval thought. As for any practical use, it is
best to heed the advice of its 17th-century printer: "Wherefore,
use this book for thy recreation. .. for assuredly there is nothing
herein promised but to further thy delight."
—Sir Charles
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