The Strange History and Home Life of Renaissance Magicians

A highly atmospheric and readable exploration of the charismatic magicians of the Tudor and Renaissance courts, their journeys through the courts of Europe and the wives and families who kept the whole magical show on the road.

All things were believable back then – wizards, alchemy, fairies, angels. This is the story of those magical times.

The Years of the Wizard is a lyrical and highly atmospheric exploration of the lives of Tudor and Renaissance magicians, men from John Dee to Giordano Bruno, who were also scientists, astrologers, mathematicians and alchemists. 

It is also an act of historical imagination, bringing to life the stories of their wives, lovers, servants and daughters. Morris' vivid recreations of the less documented female lives includes the extraordinary story of John and Jane Dee, the jealous apprentice, and the angels who meddled in their marriage.

A brilliant, fresh approach to an era of discovery, persecution and magic – one that still feeds modern storytellers today.