John Dee was an influential English mathematician, astronomer, astrologer and occultist in the 16th century who advised Queen Elizabeth I on occult matters. He had a vast personal library and interests in alchemy, divination and Hermetic philosophy. Dee was accused of witchcraft in 1551 but the charges were groundless, and after Queen Mary's death he became Queen Elizabeth's confidential astrologer and advisor on occult subjects. The Queen continued to favor Dee despite damage to his library from his esoteric studies, appointing him to positions at St. Paul's Cathedral and Christ College in Manchester.

1. John Dee John Dee was born in London on 13 July 1527 and was one of the most fascinating characters of the Elizabethan period. He was an important mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, occultist, navigator and imperialist. He also spent a lot of time studying about alchemy, divination and Hermetic Philosophy.

2. His relation to Elizabeth I In 1551 John Dee was in London and was charged with witchcraft. In particular he was accused of poisoning Queen Mary Tudor. This accusation was however groundless and so, when the Queen died, he became immediately the confidential astrologer of the new Queen, Elizabeth I. He often advised her about the “occult matters”, too.

3. A Curiosity He liked collecting books and manuscripts and thanks to this passion, he had so many books that he created the greatest personal library in England. He suffered great damage in his library because of his special interests (witchcraft) but he never lost Queen Elizabeth 's favour. Infact she designated him Chancellor of St. Paul's Cathedral in London and also superintendent of the Christ College in Manchester.