Jonathan Hughes has taught at the University of East Anglia, University of Roehampton and the Oxford Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. He is a guest lecturer at the Exeter Centre for the Study of Esotericism. His books include Pastors and Visionaries: Religion and Secular Life in Late Medieval Yorkshire; The Religious Life of Richard III and Arthurian Myths and Alchemy: the Kingship of Edward IV .

• Foreword / Section A: Alchemy and the Occult in English Cultural and Political Life / 1: Alchemy and the Occult in England / 2: The Origins of English Alchemy and Sources for the Study of Alchemy in Fourteenth-Century England / Section B: Astrology of the Earth - the Intellectual Impact of Alchemy in Fourteenth-Century England / 3: Alchemy and Science and Philosophy / 4: Alchemy and the Church / 5: The Cultural Impact of Alchemy / Section C: The Political Significance of Alchemy / 6: The Accession of Edward III / 7: Alchemical Themes in the Kingship of Edward III / 8: Richard II the Magus and Boy King / 9: Richard II and the Occult / Conclusion: The Lancastrian Reaction / Bibliography / Index