Claude Lecouteux (1943–2025) was a former professor of medieval literature and civilization at the Sorbonne and author of numerous books on medieval and pagan beliefs and magic, including The Book of Grimoires, The Tradition of Household Spirits, A Lapidary of Sacred Stones, and The Secret History of Poltergeists and Haunted Houses.
Acknowledgments
Introduction: To Guard against Adversity, Misfortune, Illness, and Death
Part One
A Scarcely Catholic Tradition
1 On the Words “Talisman” and “Amulet” and Some Definitions
2 Amulets and Talismans in Medieval Culture
3 Some Christian Amulets and Talismans
4 The Medicine of Amulets and Talismans
Part Two
The Use of Amulets and the Making of Talismans
5 Amulets
6 The Crafting of Talismans
7 The Use of Amulets and Talismans
Appendix I: The Seals Representing the Planets
Appendix II : The Talismans of Dom Jean Albert Belin
Appendix III : Seals of the Planets and the Paranatellons
Appendix IV: Creating and Consecrating Magical Objects
Notes
Bibliography
Index
