We invite submissions for a special issue of Journal of Early Modern Studies (JEMS) dedicated to Giovan Battista Della Porta (1535-1615), a pivotal and multifaceted figure whose vast oeuvre profoundly influenced the intellectual landscape of early modernity. This special issue aims to explore new facets of Della Porta’s contributions across his diverse fields of interest, particularly focusing on his natural magic but also embracing his broader scientific, philosophical, and practical pursuits. We encourage a robust interdisciplinary dialogue while maintaining a strong foundation in historical-philosophical and historical-scientific analysis.
Della Porta’s Magia naturalis and his extensive body of work—from physiognomy to optics, from theatrical arts to cryptography—stand at the crossroads of empirical observation, theoretical speculation, and practical application, reflecting the dynamic intellectual currents of the 16th century. His emphasis on experimental verification and his commitment to the dissemination of knowledge mark him as a key figure in the transition from traditional natural philosophy to modern scientific inquiry.
We seek contributions that delve into, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Reinterpreting Natural Magic: New readings of Della Porta’s Magia naturalis and other works, examining their theoretical underpinnings, methodologies, and their relationship to other forms of magic, science, and technology. How did Della Porta naturalize magic, and what were the implications of this reframing?
- Della Porta’s Philosophical and Scientific Sources: Investigations into the specific currents of Renaissance Philosophy that shaped his thought, as well as his engagement with ancient wisdom and its medieval sources.
- The Practice of Experimentation Across Della Porta’s Works: Analysis of Della Porta’s experimental practices, his use of instruments, and the role of empirical observation in his work across various fields such as optics, mechanics, medicine, alchemy, agriculture, and physiognomy.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Networks: Exploration of Della Porta’s collaborative methods, his Academia Secretorum Naturae, and the broader intellectual networks through which he acquired and disseminated knowledge. How did these networks function, and what insights do they offer into early modern scientific communities?
- The Role of Technology: Examining the “techno-magical” dimension of Della Porta’s work and its impact on his approach to natural phenomena and practical applications, including his inventions and devices.
- Reception and Legacy: Tracing Della Porta’s influence on subsequent generations of natural philosophers and scientists (e.g., Francis Bacon, the Accademia dei Lincei, the great European academies of the 17th century, and later Enlightenment figures). We particularly welcome studies that explore his reception in specific linguistic or geographical contexts.
- Della Porta and the Arts: Connections between Della Porta’s scientific and magical pursuits and contemporary artistic, literary, theatrical, or cryptographic practices.
- Specific Works and Their Interconnections: Focused studies on individual works beyond Magia Naturalis, such as De humana physiognomonia, De furtivis literarum notis, Ars Reminiscendi, or his plays. These studies should aim to explore their unique contributions and how they intersect with Della Porta’s natural magic, shedding light on his broader philosophical approach and his impact on the development of modernity.
This special issue aims to deepen our understanding of Della Porta’s multifaceted contributions to the development of modernity, moving beyond traditional classifications to reveal the richness and complexity of his intellectual project.
Submission Guidelines: https://zetabooks.com/wp-content/uploads/14.-Guidelines-for-Authors.pdf
Call for Papers: Revised Submission Guidelines
We invite expressions of interest from scholars eager to contribute to our upcoming volume.
If you wish to contribute, please send a brief CV and an expression of interest to donato.verardi@unive.it. Please note that expressions of interest will be considered on a rolling basis, but we encourage you to submit yours as soon as possible, and no later than December 15, 2025.
Authors whose expressions of interest are accepted will be invited to submit full papers of up to 8,000 words. The deadline for full paper submissions will be March 31, 2026. All submitted papers will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process. Our aim is to complete the peer-review process by Summer 2026, allowing for revisions and final submissions by Fall 2026, with publication as issue 2/2026 by the end of October 2026.
We look forward to receiving your innovative contributions.
Guest Editor: Donato Verardi, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy