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‘This biography is a study of a culture as well as of a man, and in analysing the life and thought of Paracelsus, Ball brings to light a largely forgotten phase of human understanding. It is a considerable achievement.’ Peter Ackroyd, The Times 'Ball’s book charts the social and cultural ferment in which [Paracelsus] lived, supplying brief histories of astrology, merchant banking, humanism, the Protestant reformation, syphilis, and a dozen other topics, and introducing an enormous cast of savants, quacks, sorcerers, prophets and illuminati… Brilliant… This prodigiously learned volume can only reinforce Ball’s reputation as one of our most versatile and gripping science writers.’ John Carey, Sunday Times 'Stirring and fascinating reading... Compelling and intriguing stuff... This is a remarkable piece of work, entertaining and edifying in a way in which so few biographies are.' Niall Griffiths, Daily Telegraph ‘Ball tells his story with both a wonderful affection for his protagonist and a dry wit about him… Admirable’ Sam Leith, Spectator '[A] wonderfully rich biography... Ball does an excellent job of...recreating this strange and wonderful age.' Guardian ‘Excellent... Ball’s account of this semi-mythical and little-known figure is a pleasure to read, combining a page-turning narrative with brief histories of Renaissance magic, medicine and religious upheaval… Fascinating.’ Independent on Sunday
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