Political Prophecy in Elizabethan England
This thesis examines political prophecy in England during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603). The belief that foreknowledge of events could be attained through means such as the practice of astrology, revelation from God, or the interpretation of supposedly prophetic texts was widespread in English society during the early modern period. This thesis discusses how those both within and outside of the government used prophecy in their engagement with the political issues which faced England during Elizabeth’s reign, especially in relation to religion and the succession. Because prophecy offered a source of authority for political change it was often employed in opposition to established authorities, prompting legislation criminalising seditious prophecies and printed works condemning them. By examining a wide range of primary sources, including assize records, Privy Council reports, depositions, diplomatic and administrative correspondence, and printed tracts and sermons, this thesis reveals how prophecy pervaded the political culture of Elizabethan England.
Political protest and prophecy under Henry VIII
Part 1 The political prophecy in England: origin and development methods influence. Part 2 Trials and examinations of the 1530s: background early warnings and strange doings dangerous precedents the gathering storm the storm breaks threats from the Continent the government's counter-offensive. Part 3 The texts of the prophesies of the 1530s: "The Prophesies of Rhymer, Bede and Merlin" "The Marvels of Merlin" "The Cock of the North" "France and Flanders Then Shall Rise" "The Sayings of the Prophets" "The Prophecy of the Lily, the Lion and the Son of Man" "A Prophecy of a New World Emperor" "When Rome Is Removed into England" "A Prophecy by the Dice" "A Prophecy by the Stars". Part 4 The place of political prophecy in the 1530s. Appendix: Manuscript sources and textual variations.
Astraea: The Imperial Theme in the Sixteenth Century
A tale of four generations of an oil-rich family trying to live out the century without drawing blood under the unblinking Texas sky. Hiram, the family's patriarch, is a rich sonofabitch who was loved by every woman he ever met - and some who only heard of him. Hiram is a teller of tales, a cowboy.