Michael D. Bailey

About the Author

Michael D. Bailey is a distinguished historian specializing in the cultural and intellectual history of Europe, with a particular focus on the interplay between magic, superstition, and religious belief across the ages. A professor of history at Iowa State University, Bailey has dedicated his career to unraveling the complex threads of human thought and practice that shaped medieval and early modern societies. His scholarship bridges the gap between folklore and formal religion, offering fresh perspectives on how ordinary people navigated the supernatural in their daily lives. Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, Bailey illuminates the enduring fascination with the occult, from ancient rituals to modern misconceptions, making arcane topics accessible to both scholars and general readers alike.