Keith Thomas is a prominent British historian known for his work in the fields of social history and the history of ideas. He gained recognition for his influential book, Religion and the Decline of Magic, published in 1971, which explores the relationship between belief systems and societal changes in early modern England. His research often focuses on the intersection of culture, religion, and science. In addition to his work on magic and religion, Thomas has contributed to the understanding of environmental history and the history of animal rights. His scholarship emphasizes the importance of historical context in shaping contemporary issues, making his work relevant to various academic disciplines.