Heavenly Knowledge: Astrology Books in Religious Libraries

TÍTULO (EM INGLÊS)

Heavenly Knowledge: Astrology Books in Religious Libraries

RESUMO (EM INGLÊS)

The Catholic Church was, arguably, the most influential and widespread gatekeeper of knowledge in early modern Portugal. Libraries stood as an essential part of the vast monastic and conventual network that went beyond their service as centers of spirituality and religious life. As is generally recognized, religious libraries were actively involved in the process of acquisition, preservation, and circulation of scientific books. In some cases, these libraries collected significant and extensive collections, that included books of natural philosophy, medicine, mathematics, cosmography, and astronomy. Amongst these disciplines was the knowledge that interprets the movements of the heavens correlating them with events on Earth, i.e. astrology. This presentation assesses the results of my ongoing investigation on the astrological texts extant at ecclesiastical libraries in early modern Portugal. At the core of this study is the examination of astrological and astronomical book entries found in library catalogues and inventories of the most influential religious orders until their extinction in 1834. Assessing these catalogues may ultimately provide a better understanding of the role of astrological knowledge and its reading practices as part of the scientific activity in the context of religious institutions in early modern society.

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