The diaries of John Dee

The diaries of John Dee (1527-1608), mathematician, scientist, astrologer and astronomer. As court astronomer and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, Dee also had one of the largest libraries in England at the time. The diaries cover the period from 1577 until 1607 and contain details of planetary configurations for each day alongside events in Dee's life with the aim of scientifically establishing how the stars and planets influenced worldly events. The diary entries also include those relating to his family and daily life, visits made and received, weather observations, spiritualism and his belief in the ability to communicate with angels. The diaries are supported by notes, a key to symbols, a glossary, a gazetteer of places mentioned and a biographical guide to those named in the diaries.