The Magus Book 1 & 2: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy [Paperback]

Francis Barrett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

The Magus has proved to be the most sought after set of books on magic and alchemy ever published. There is very good reason for this. These books are powerful, and were considered so dangerous that for many years, rare copies could only be found in certain libraries, locked away from the general public and from those who would use (or misuse) its power. The original set of books was first published in 1801 by its author, Francis Barrett, who had an extensive background in the medieval and occult sciences. He spent many years of diligent study before releasing them. His premise for the material, that is, before putting anything into these books, Barrett first subjected the various theories to certain tests that had to be "substantiated by nature, truth, and experiment" first. They were written for those seeking the key to the philosopher's stone and the powers of magic. The illustrations in this book were taken from ancient and medieval texts, magical tables, planetary tables, talismans and images of angels and demons. Book One covers natural magic, amulets and charms, potions, precious stones, lights, candles, alchemy, the philosopher's stone, transmutation, the four elements, numbers, and planets. Book Two covers magnetic powers. Cabalistic magic, the names of angels and spirits, the performing of invocations, conjuring spirits, magic circles, receiving oracles in dreams, positive and evil spirits, and concludes with a major biographical sections on the great magicians of history.

Product Details

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Book Tree (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585090336
• ISBN-13: 978-1585090334
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,114,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historical worth of The Magus, April 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy (Paperback)

Many people have written very dispariging remarks about The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer [first published in 1801]. They probley write such knowagable insights about another auther as well - the Most Honored Counsellor to King Charles the Fifth, and a Judge of the Prerogative Court...Henry Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Agrippa lived around 500 years ago, and he wrote a book that is still having an impact today - 'The Three Books of Occult Philosophy'. It is the standard by which all other magical tomes are judged, and The Magus is no exception. The fact that Barrett basterdized the 'Three Books' is well known. But keep in mind, the 'Three Books' had long since fell into obscurity (300 years old by Barretts reconing) and there were no other tomes of any worth (save perhaps Johann Weyer's 'De praestigiis daemonum'). Also keep in mind the timeframe Barrett was living in (1801): 25 years after the American Revolution, 11 years after the first French Revolution, 2 years after George Washingtons death, the Marquis de Sade was still alive then, and Napolion was comming into power. Barrett did an outstanding job, concidering. His book stated the 'modern day magic movement' and directly influenced Eliphas Levi, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, Aleister Crowley, and so-on. Its impact was enormass, regardless of the glaring inconcistances (and errors) in the text, tables, and with the glyphs. Its history alone make it a book to be respected and admired. Sincerly, Shawn W. Ooten

53 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful work of plagarism, April 19, 2001

By 

D. Boyer (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy (Paperback)

Francis Barrett plagarized 100% of this book from Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, so there is some good information present, but none of it is original. (well, maybe some of the interesting illustrations) So if you're interested in the full story, seek out Agrippa (though do not buy Kessinger's version. For some reason they only include the first book, but still call it "Three Books of Occult Philosophy". Buy Llewellyn's--it's a beautiful production.)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for the Occultist in You!, March 15, 2006

By 

K. M. Peters "Bibliophile" (Toledo, OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy (Paperback)

I can confidently place Francis Barrett's The Magus along with the greatest of all magical/occult books in mainstream press: Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson, Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Agrippa, Black Magic by AE Waite, and Aleister Crowley's 777. For those that are hardcore occultists or even those who are merely curious, this book has alot to offer everyone.