A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult

Discover the beguiling history of witchcraft, magic, and superstition through the centuries in this stunningly illustrated title.

A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world, covering everything from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, cinema, and television.

Providing readers with a comprehensive account of everything from Japanese folklore and Indian witchcraft to the differences between black and white magic, and dispelling myths such as those surrounding the voodoo doll and Ouija, the book explores the common human fascination with spells, superstition, and the supernatural.

This riveting read on witchcraft includes:

• Engaging text and lavish illustrations with over 500 full-colour images that bring the subject to life.
• Special features on aspects of magic, such as oracle bones of ancient China, the Knights Templar, and magic at the movies, and "plants and potions", such as mandrake and belladonna examine topics in great detail.
• Quick-fact panels explore magic origins, key figures, key deities, uses in spells, structures of religions, and more.

The perfect introduction to magic and the occult, it explores forms of divination from astrology and palmistry to the Tarot and runestones and offers key insights into the ways in which magic has interacted with religion.

The most comprehensive illustrated history of witchcraft available, A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult will enthral and fascinate anyone interested in spiritualism and the occult.

Discover the beguiling history of witchcraft, magic, and superstition through the centuries in this stunningly illustrated title. A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world, covering everything from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination, to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in modern literature, cinema, and television. In this spell-binding book, you will find:A complete global history of the subject – from necromancy in the ancient world to European folk magic and witchcraft in the internet ageMore than 350 full-colour images combined with engaging, accessible text that brings the subject to life, with biographies of key figuresSpecial features on everything from Chinese oracle bones and the Knights Templar to magic and witchcraft in literature and film, and mystical plants like mandrake and belladonnaGlorious galleries of everything from talismans and poppets to crystals and Wiccan tools, and much moreOffering a comprehensive and accessible overview of everything from Japanese folklore and Indian witchcraft to the differences between black and white magic, and dispelling myths such as those surrounding the voodoo doll and Ouija, the book explores the common human fascination with spells, superstition, and the supernatural. The most comprehensive illustrated history of witchcraft available, A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult will enthral and fascinate you in equal measure – whether you are a believer or a sceptic. The Esoteric Histories seriesWith global sales of more than 300,000 copies, DK’s Esoteric Histories explore the rich traditions of mystical and mysterious subjects – from witchcraft to the world of the unexplained – weaving together religion, mythology, folklore, and the paranormal with art, culture, and science. Other titles in the series include A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural; A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy; and A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny.

• | Author: DK
• | Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
• | Publication Date: Aug 06, 2020
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9780241386118
• | ISBN-10: 024138611X