Henry Christmas (1811-68) was a scholar of very wide interests and a fellow of both the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries. He wrote extensively about many subjects including philosophy, religion, literature, mythology and numismatics. He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge, and soon afterwards became the librarian and secretary of Sion College. Between 1840 and 1860 he edited a number of books and journals, including The Literary Gazette. He also translated Calmet's Phantom World, and Wieland's Republic of Fools into English. Published in 1849, this two-volume set examines how popular mythology kept alive beliefs about the occult, alchemy and the paranormal. Volume 1 looks at astrology, dream-interpretation, magic and fantastical automata. Volume 2 considers witchcraft, mesmerism, fairy mythology, alchemy and ghosts. The work shows how elements of these beliefs came to be regarded as fact, and so influenced rational thinking.
- ISBN13 9781108037648
- Publish Date 15 December 2011
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Cambridge University Press
- Pages 802
- Language English