Professor Michael D. Bailey

About the Author

Professor 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 societal beliefs across the ages. Holding a PhD from Stanford University, he has taught at prestigious institutions including the University of Iowa, where he currently serves as a professor of history. Bailey's scholarship illuminates how seemingly irrational practices shaped European thought from ancient civilizations through the Enlightenment and into modern times, challenging conventional narratives of progress and rationality. His work bridges academic rigor with accessible storytelling, making complex historical dynamics engaging for both scholars and general readers. In addition to his teaching and research, Bailey contributes to public discourse on the enduring relevance of folklore and mysticism in contemporary culture.