A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult - Esoteric Histories by DK Hardcover

About the Book

"...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"--

Book Synopsis

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 age
• More than 350 full-colour images combined with engaging, accessible text that brings the subject to life, with biographies of key figures
• Special 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 belladonna
• Glorious galleries of everything from talismans and poppets to crystals and Wiccan tools, and much more

Offering 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 series

With 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.

Review Quotes

"This book provides a fascinating overview of the history of magic, with some emphasis on witchcraft and the occult, presented in an easily browsed, highly visual format." --Booklist

About the Author

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is an historian, author, broadcaster, and award-winning professor of history at the University of Roehampton. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, her research focuses on the sixteenth century, both on English and French history, and she is especially interested in the intersection of religious, gender, political, social, and psychological history; in ordinary women's lives, faith, marriages, and sexuality; and in witchcraft and witch-trials.