Customer Reviews

The Occult: A History

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This wonderful book is a voluminous history of the occult, using the principle figures in the western occult tradition such as Crowley, Paracelsus and Pythagoras, among others. Wilson includes excellent background material and puts forth a compelling theory of why the occult is the science of the future, when people will one day realise their true power and importance in the world. Mr. Wilson is annoyed at the current world-view pushed by existentialists and scientists that humans are no more than insigninficant accidents in an indiffernt cosmos. He postulates an emerging human ability which he refers to as "Faculty X", a faculty of clarity, direction and purpose which goes beyond the ordinary senses and proposes how this may be the key to future human evolution. Much emphasis is placed on the will's role in human development throughout humanity's existence and its continued importance in the future, as well as the importance of contemporary humanity's researc! h into the subconscious mind. Wilson disregards the hyper-skepticism of modern science, and even delineates how the philosophy behind such a view is now outdated, and how the resulting world view has become narrow and cynical. Nevertheless, Wilson is very objective and gives a very critical analysis of all occult phenomena -- powers which are the key for humanity's future growth.

The only book on historical magic that I have found more in-depth than this is the Golden Bough. And that is a actually a huge compliment to Colin Wilson. Wilson does a great job of descibing detailed historical accounts of almost all facets of the occult in a simple way that is both inviting and enlightening. He strips common cliches like vampirism and lycanthropy of their mythology and horror movie camp and puts the beasts were they belong: in actual human history, scientifically and psychologically defining them as monsters only in their relationship to society and the human condition. The most amazing thing about this book however is that, with all its history, it is more than a history of the occult. Wilson has a premise--a premise so well woven into the history he provides, so unassuming, that you barely notice it. But when you do notice it, you won't ever see the world the same again. I've read countless books on mythology, monsters, magic and the occult in order to (silly, I know) give myself an edge in life, open my mind to certain possibilities and see beyond the ordinary. Colin Wilson has undoubtedly shown me the most.

Wilson's history of the occult is a fine resource for anyone who wants to review the main figures of occultism in the least amount of time. There's a mini-biography of each person along with well presented details about that person's "occult life." Interesting and reasonably authoritative. Put it on the shelf. It's an excellent reference.

This book is an excellent resource for those studying the occult, as well as for those who are interested in the history of its practitioners. I usually don't remember much of what I read, but a lot of things in this book started to click after I read about them (things like Blavatsky, Faculty X, etc.). Although it's ok not to remember every detail of every book, my only complaint is that sometimes this book drags on pointlessly, then gets to something good, then drags on again, etc. Other than that, it's a very good read for beginners, but for more advanced students, it may be a little boring.

this is a very very interesting book, a very good introduction to the subject, very engrossing and entertaining i would say. it is also a true mark of wilson's grip on the subject, that every time i am reading this book, things start to happen to me!