The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Francis Barrett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2000

The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer; being a Complete System of Occult Philosophy is a handbook of the occult and ceremonial magic compiled by Francis Barrett and published in 1801. This book facilitated the modern revival of magic by making information from otherwise rare books readily available. It may have influenced novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton and occultist Eliphas Levi. More controversially, it has been identified as an influence on Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, in Reed C. Durham, Jr.'s speech "Is There No Help for the Widow's Son? " Reproduction of 1801 Edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877289425
• ISBN-13: 978-0877289425
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 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: #930,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 67 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
(REAL NAME)   

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.)

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: Magus,the (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

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
(REAL NAME)   

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.