Occultism, Witchcraft, and Cultural Fashions: Essays in Comparative Religions (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The question that I should like to discuss in this paper is the following: what does a historian of religions have to say about his..." (more)
Key Phrases: occult explosion, semen virile, orgiastic practices, Teilhard de Chardin, René Guénon, André Breton (more...)

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Product Description

In the period domoninated by the triumphs of scientific rationalism, how do we account for the extraordinary success of such occult movements as astrology or the revival of witchcraft? From his perspective as a historian of religions, the eminent scholar Mircea Eliade shows that such popular trends develop from archaic roots and periodically resurface in certain myths, symbols, and rituals. In six lucid essays collected for this volume, Eliade reveals the profound religious significance that lies at the heart of many contemporary cultural vogues.

Since all of the essays except the last were originally delivered as lectures, their introductory character and lively oral style make them particularly accessible to the intelligent nonspecialist. Rather than a popularization, Occultism, Witchcraft, and Cultural Fashions is the fulfillment of Eliade's conviction that the history of religions should be read by the widest possible audience.

About the Author

Mircea Eliade (1907-1986) was the Sewell L. Avery Distinguished Service Professor in the Divinity School and professor in the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago. His books published by the University of Chicago Press include Autobiography, Volume II; the novel The Old Man and the Bureaucrats; the three-volume History of Religious Ideas; Ordeal by Labyrinth; and several other works on the history of religions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (March 15, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226203921
• ISBN-13: 978-0226203928
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #689,142 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enligtening, March 31, 2000

By	Jon Amund Magnæs (Oslo, Norway) - See all my reviews

I am writing on a paper on satanism in Norway(therefore badly written english). This essyes from good old Mirca, is a good phenomenological point of wiew. I think he sets things into context, but for my case it is a bit old. If you want a general introduction from the phenomenlogical school in the occult tradiction you migth as well staert with this book.