History, prophecy, and the stars, Smoller, Laura Ackerman

Although astrology was viewed with suspicion by the medieval church, it became a major area of inquiry for the renowned cardinal and scholar Pierre dAilly, whose astrological and apocalyptic writings had a significant influence on Christopher Columbus. DAillys writings on the stars, the focus of this book, clearly illustrate the complex relationships among astrology, science, and Christian thinking in the late Middle Ages. Through an examination of his letters, sermons, and philosophical, astrological, and theological treatises, Laura Ackerman Smoller reveals astrologys appeal as a scientific means to interpret history and prophecy, and not merely as a magical way to forecast and manipulate ones own fate. At the same time, she shows how dAilly dealt with delicate problems--such as free will and Gods omnipotence--in elevating astrology to a compelling, but not always consistent, natural theology. The French cardinals most intriguing prediction was for the advent of Antichrist in 1789, one that stemmed from his deep concern over the Great Schism (1378-1414). Smoller maintains that the division in the church led dAilly to fear the imminence of the apocalypse, and that he eventually turned to astrology to quell his apocalyptic fears, thereby gaining confidence that a church council could heal the Schism. In elucidating the place of astrology in medieval society, this book also affords a personal glimpse of a man facing a profound crisis.

Originally published in 1994.

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