A Dictionary of Miracles

Key themes

The Nature of Belief and Credulity

The book implicitly explores the human capacity for belief, particularly in the face of the inexplicable. By cataloging countless miracles, it showcases the diverse objects and forms of faith across cultures and historical periods. It prompts readers to consider how and why people come to believe in supernatural interventions, and the role of credulity in shaping historical narratives and religious traditions.

Historical and Cultural Documentation of the Supernatural

Brewer's dictionary serves as a historical document itself, collecting and preserving accounts of the supernatural that were significant to various cultures and eras. It offers a panoramic view of how different societies have perceived and recorded events that defy natural laws, providing valuable insight into their worldviews, religious practices, and folklore. The book is less about proving miracles and more about documenting their historical presence.

The Intersection of Religion, Folklore, and Legend

The dictionary blurs the lines between strictly religious dogma, popular folklore, and historical legend. Many entries demonstrate how miraculous accounts often transcend formal religious texts, embedding themselves in popular culture, local traditions, and oral histories. It reveals the dynamic interplay between official religious narratives and the broader cultural imagination, where the sacred and the fantastical frequently merge.

Worth discussing

How does Brewer's compilation reflect Victorian attitudes towards religion, science, and the supernatural?