Astrology and Numerology in Medieval and Early Modern Catalonia ─ The Tractat De Prenostication De LA Vida Natural Dels Homens

The late-15th-century practical fortune-telling guide is a rare survival from the many that indirect evidence suggests circulated through medieval and early modern Europe, says Lucas (social and international studies, Portland State U., Oregon). His study of it reveals some of the Catalan source texts on astrology and prognostication, a unique expression of medieval syncretism, a mingling of traditions, and the development of new ideas. Before presenting the Catalan text faced with pages of English translation, he discusses prognostication at the dawn of the Renaissance, genres of prognostic material in Catalan, and the work itself. He includes a glossary. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

John Scott Lucas, Ph.D. (2000) in Spanish, Penn State University, is Associate Professor and Program Director of the Institute for Social and International Studies (ISIS) at Portland State University. He currently directs international programs in Barcelona, Spain. His research encompasses medieval Spanish and Catalan literature, historical linguistics, and early print culture.