Woodcraft, David Robert (1997) A 'politick engine' : astrology and politics 1678-1715. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Historians have long been familiar with the link between astrology and politics,
especially during the Civil War and Interregnum. By contrast, the link between them
during the later seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries has been neglected by
historians.
This thesis sets out to bridge an historical gap. It provides a detailed study of
astrology and politics between 1678, with the Popish Plot, and 1715. It examines the
extent to which astrology was used as political propaganda during these years through
a close study of the works published by the leading astrological polemicists, focusing
particularly on their annual almanacs. It also examines the role religion played in
politics, and the way in which the astrologers' religious outlooks and beliefs shaped
their political views. The vitriolic feuds between leading astrologers on opposite sides
of the divide are also examined in detail.
This thesis is divided into four chapters. The first elucidates the outlook of the
astrologers writing in the last years of Charles H's reign, covering the Popish Plot and
Exclusion Crisis, and the period of Tory ascendancy between 1681 and 1685.
The second chapter assesses how astrologers reacted to the succession of the
Catholic James 111, and his attempts to give Catholic subjects equality with their
Protestant counterparts.
Chapter three examines reactions to the Glorious Revolution and the reign of
William 111, and chronicles astrologers' attitudes toward the succession, war and the
Church.
The final chapter deals with the reign of Anne, focusing on the ferocious party
battles for which it is notorious. It assesses the extent to which these were reflected in
the works of the astrologers and examines their arguments as the battle lines were
drawn.
The thesis argues that the stormy nature of politics between 1678 and 1715 ensured
that the link between astrology and politics, which had become much weaker following
the Restoration, was reforged and rendered as strong as it had ever been. Indeed the
period witnessed a final renaissance in political astrology.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe) > JN101 Great Britain
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1660-1714, Astrology and politics, Astrologers -- Great Britain -- History -- 17th century, Astrologers -- Great Britain -- History -- 18th century, Almanacs -- History -- 17th century, Almanacs -- History -- 18th century, Religion and politics -- Great Britain -- History -- 17th century, Religion and politics -- Great Britain -- History -- 18th century
Official Date:	February 1997
Dates:	Date Event February 1997 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of History
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Capp, B. S.
Extent:	330 leaves
Language:	eng

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