Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. List of Figures vii
4. List of Boxes ix
5. Note on Translation and Transcription xi
6. Abbreviations xiii
7. Introduction Reading, Writing, and Charming 1
8. Chapter 1 The Powers of Charm-Words and Relics 31
9. Chapter 2 Before 1100: “Textual Magic” in Pre-Conquest England 83
10. Chapter 3 1100 to 1350: Charm Language and the Boundaries of Text 145
11. Chapter 4 1350 to 1500: “A Fayre Charme on Englysh” 189
12. Conclusion The Changing Power of Words 243
13. Acknowledgments 259
14. Manuscripts Cited 261
15. Works Cited 267
16. Index 289