The study of medieval and early modern intellectual, cultural, and scientific history through the analysis of a number of historical subjects that have been marginalised in much of nineteenth- and early twenty-century historiography such as astrology, magic, prophecy, and alchemy. Addresses their current re-emergence and popularity in the context of recent historiographical trends. Explores the relevance of these 'wretched subjects' for much political, religious and intellectual history, and encourages the interdisciplinary analysis of these branches of learning as part of a much wider, and widely accepted, world view.