The occult, witchcraft & magic : an illustrated history

The occult, witchcraft & magic An illustrated history

Christopher Dell, 1976-

Book - 2016

From the earliest Paleolithic cave rituals, magic has gripped the imagination. Magic and magicians appear in early Babylonian texts, the Bible, Judaism and Islam. Secret words, spells and incantations lie at the heart of every mythological tradition. Today, magic means many things: contemporary Wicca is practised widely as a modern pagan religion in Europe and the US; 'magic' also evokes the cathartic rituals of Chaos magic, but stretches to include the non-spiritual, rapid-fire sleight of hand performed by slick stage magicians who fill vast arenas. The book is packed with authoritative text and a huge and inspired selection of images, chosen from unusual and hidden sources. The material is presented in 100 entries, and includes ...some of the best-known representations of magic and the occult from around the world.

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2nd Floor 133.4/Dell Due Feb 8, 2025
Subjects
Witchcraft.
Occultism.
Occultism > History.
Witchcraft > History.
Magic > History.
Illustrated works.
Genres
Illustrated works
Published
London : Thames & Hudson [2016]
Language
English
Main Author
Christopher Dell, 1976- (author)
Physical Description
399 pages : illustrations (some color), music, portraits ; 27 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN
9780500518885
  • Ancient magic
  • Greek & Roman magic
  • Northern magic
  • Medieval magic
  • Renaissance magic
  • World of magic
  • Enlightenment magic
  • The magic revival
  • Modern magic
  • Magical places to visit.
Review by Booklist Review

Dell (Mythology: An Illustrated Journey into Our Imagined Worlds, 2012) has crafted a gorgeous visual history of other-worldly realms, people, and magic. Presented chronologically, this compendium explores the fine lines between magic and religion and magic and science throughout history. Chapters include Greek and Roman Magic, Medieval Magic, and Enlightenment Magic, among others, and touch on everything from ancient Mesopotamian antiwitch incantations to eighteenth-century phantasmagoria to modern day Wiccan gods. Dell gives special treatment to subjects that cross cultures and time periods, such as alchemy and magical creatures. The imagery is the real star in Dell's book and makes up for the sometimes scant text. The more than 400 illustrations will delight magic aficionados. A startling aerial photograph of an enormous Portuguese initiation well, for example, practically causes vertigo, and a full-page rendering of a Renaissance painting that includes not only flying demons but also hideous-faced characters holding a basket of body parts is terrifying to behold. A stunning treasury for anyone interested in the history of magic.--Compton-Dzak, Emily Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

"There is no culture on Earth that does not contain within it some form of magic," Dell (Mythology: The Complete Guide to Our Imagined Worlds) writes in this invaluable source book on the history and practice of magic and occultism. This thoroughly researched collection documents the history of magic dating from prehistoric times to the present day. Filled with mystical symbols and perplexing charts, this compilation is a must-have for individuals interested in uncovering the history behind rare rings said to be capable of creating gold and mystical plants thought to deflect witchcraft. Whether the reader attempts to practice magic upon finishing this book is not as important to Dell as tracing the origins and roots of magic throughout the centuries. Readers will immerse themselves in the different profiles of astrologers, magicians, and alchemists. Layered throughout is a visually satisfying collection of eclectic and sometimes jarring photographs that will fascinate and stir curiosity. Occult enthusiasts and historians will appreciate this comprehensive exploration of magic around the world. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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