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Katherine, In your original message you comment 'I'm particularly interested in texts being used in ways that didn't require them to be read.' There's quite a tradition in Mahayana Buddhism of worshipping copies of sutras as a means of making spiritual progress. Also of having manuscripts copied as an act of devotion *and* as part of a ritual procedure (e.g. for healing or protection, as you mention). Since these manuscripts and sutras were in languages (Sanskrit, Classical Tibetan) that few people could read, obviously reading them wasn't the point. This is probably pretty much of a side issue given your focus on medieval England, but if you'd like some cites for comparitive purposes I'll dig something out. Your topic sounds fascinating and I hope you'll keep us abreast of your progress. Sincerely, Margaret ---------------------------------------- Margaret Gouin, PhD (Bristol) Honorary Research Fellow School of Theology, Religious Studies and Islamic Studies University of Wales Trinity Saint David http://tsd.academia.edu/MargaretGouin http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415566360/ _ On 3/5/2014 5:36 PM, Katherine Hindley wrote: Dear all, I wonder if any of you might be able to help me? I'm a PhD student currently in the process of writing a prospectus for my dissertation, which will deal with the ways in which text was used for protection and healing in medieval England. I'm particularly interested in texts being used in ways that didn't require them to be read. And so my question: might any of you be able to recommend any books or articles which deal with the relationship between magic and literacy? I'd love to find something discussing how forms of magic change (or don't change) as societies become more literate, but any relevant reading would be much appreciated. Best wishes, and thank you in advance for your help, Katherine