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The Medieval Moon
A History of Haunting and Blessing
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Ayoush Lazikani
Language:
English
Published/Copyright:
2026
About this book
A vivid new history of how medieval people around the world perceived the moon
When they gazed at the moon, medieval people around the globe saw an object that was at once powerful and fragile, distant and intimate—and sometimes all this at once. The moon could convey love, beauty, and gentleness; but it could also be about pain, hatred, and violence. In its circularity the moon was associated with fullness and fertility. Yet in its crescent and other shifting forms, the moon could seem broken, even wounded.
In this beautifully illustrated history, Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. Ranging across the world, from China to South America, Korea to Wales, Lazikani explores how different cultures interacted with the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon’s beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour.; In this beautifully illustrated history, Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon’s beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour.
When they gazed at the moon, medieval people around the globe saw an object that was at once powerful and fragile, distant and intimate—and sometimes all this at once. The moon could convey love, beauty, and gentleness; but it could also be about pain, hatred, and violence. In its circularity the moon was associated with fullness and fertility. Yet in its crescent and other shifting forms, the moon could seem broken, even wounded.
In this beautifully illustrated history, Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. Ranging across the world, from China to South America, Korea to Wales, Lazikani explores how different cultures interacted with the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon’s beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour.; In this beautifully illustrated history, Ayoush Lazikani reveals the many ways medieval people felt and wrote about the moon. From the idea that the Black Death was caused by a lunar eclipse to the wealth of Persian love poetry inspired by the moon’s beauty, this is a truly global account of our closest celestial neighbour.
Topics
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Frontmatter
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CONTENTS
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NOTE ON QUOTATIONS, IMAGES, AND DATES
ix -
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
xi -
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INTRODUCTION
1 -
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1 THE MOON OF RIDDLES AND MYSTERIES
11 -
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2 THE MOON OF TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES
35 -
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3 THE MOON OF PROPHECIES AND SIGNS
59 -
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4 THE MOON OF ILLNESSES AND CURES
87 -
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5 THE MOON OF SORROWS AND ILLUSIONS
109 -
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6 THE MOON OF LOVES AND EMBRACES
137 -
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7 THE MOON OF WORLDS AND TALES: AN EPILOGUE
159 -
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Appendix
167 -
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NOTES
203 -
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
227 -
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PLATES
245 -
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INDEX
247
Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
January 23, 2026
eBook ISBN:
9780300285963
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
