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The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic: An Illustrated History Hardcover – October 18, 2016

by Christopher Dell (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 378 ratings
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The curious history of magic and the powers of the occult, witchcraft, ritual, and the imagination, from their earliest appearances to modern times

From the days of 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 nearly every mythological tradition. But for every genuine magus there is an impostor.

During the Middle Ages, religion, science, and magic were difficult to set apart. The Middle Ages also saw the pursuit of alchemy―the magical transformation of base materials―which led to a fascination with the occult, Freemasonry, and Rosicrucianism.

The turn of the twentieth century witnessed a return to earlier magical traditions, and today, magic means many things: contemporary Wicca is practiced widely as a modern pagan religion in Europe and the US; “magic” also stretches to include the nonspiritual, rapid-fire sleight of hand performed by slick stage magicians who fill vast arenas.

The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic is packed with authoritative text and a huge and inspired selection of images, some chosen from unusual sources, including some of the best-known representations of magic and the occult from around the world spanning ancient to modern times.

400+ illustrations, 300+ in color

Review

"[An] invaluable source book on the history and practice of magic and occultism, filled with mystical symbols and perplexing charts. 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. Layered throughout is a visually satisfying collection of eclectic and sometimes jarring photographs that will fascinate and stir curiosity."
― Publishers Weekly (starred review)

About the Author

Christopher Dell holds a degree in the History of Art from the Courtauld Institute, London. He has written and edited several books on art and visual culture, including Freemasonry, Mythology, WhatMakes a Masterpiece, and Monsters: A Bestiary of the Bizarre.
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  1. Print length
    400 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Thames & Hudson
  4. Publication date
    October 18, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    8.4 x 1.4 x 10.3 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0500518882
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0500518885
  8. See all details
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A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult (DK A History of)
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The Occult Book: A Chronological Journey from Alchemy to Wicca (Union Square & Co. Chronologies)
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thames & Hudson (October 18, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0500518882
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0500518885
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.76 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.4 x 1.4 x 10.3 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 378 ratings
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4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
378 global ratings
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The Occult, Witchcraft & Magic
5 Stars
The Occult, Witchcraft & Magic
The book has some of the best illustrations I’ve so far in my opinion. It’s a thick book, that I’m going to be using for research for a novel that I’m beginning to write. As well as many other books. I don’t know much about witchcraft or witches other than what I’ve seen in the movies or tv shows. I know I’m in for one great history lesson. One subject that has always fascinated me. So far from what I have skimmed this book has so much information that my mind is already blown away by. I can’t wait to devour this book while doing researching for my own book.
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Callme_Hippie
5.0 out of 5 stars The Occult, Witchcraft & Magic
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022
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Callme_Hippie
5.0 out of 5 stars The Occult, Witchcraft & Magic
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022
The book has some of the best illustrations I’ve so far in my opinion. It’s a thick book, that I’m going to be using for research for a novel that I’m beginning to write. As well as many other books. I don’t know much about witchcraft or witches other than what I’ve seen in the movies or tv shows. I know I’m in for one great history lesson. One subject that has always fascinated me. So far from what I have skimmed this book has so much information that my mind is already blown away by. I can’t wait to devour this book while doing researching for my own book.
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James Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Well Done
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2017
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16 people found this helpful
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M.R.
5.0 out of 5 stars stunning
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2022
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Simay
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved that!
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2019
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Simay
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved that!
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2019
The seller has packaged my order very well, it was really clean! And i thought shipping won't be that fast but it has arrived at the time that the seller told! So if you wanna buy this product but you suspect about the seller and shipping stuff, just buy it. This book is a masterpiece!
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Mel
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2020
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Holly M. Meechan
5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice book
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2021
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J.A. Grier
4.0 out of 5 stars Nicely printed with lots of art, but history is lacking
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2021
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Winitu
5.0 out of 5 stars Filled with useful, full-page illustrations
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2018
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Hannah
5.0 out of 5 stars Informativ und knapp
Reviewed in Germany on February 17, 2022
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The Angry Druid
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book, well exceeding my expectations.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2020
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Justine
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book :)
Reviewed in France on December 6, 2019
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maruzza costantino
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in Italy on November 25, 2018
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Daniela R.
5.0 out of 5 stars Alta calidad, precioso libro.
Reviewed in Spain on May 21, 2017
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