A History of Magic

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A comprehensive history of magic and witchcraft has been lacking until now. Richard Cavendish's work fills this gap, exploring magic in the West from prehistoric times to the present. He does not ask readers to believe in magic but to examine its impact on human behavior. Throughout history, magic has been intertwined with religion, art, medicine, folklore, superstition, astrology, and the everyday lives of countless individuals. The narrative encompasses a wide range of topics, including Pythagoras, Orpheus, the Hermetica, Neoplatonism, amulets, sacrifices, dream interpretation, herbal magic, astrology, curses, folk customs, Christian and Jewish magical traditions, notable figures like Joan of Arc, Gilles de Rais, Nostradamus, Paracelsus, and Faust, as well as events like the witch trials and the Black Mass. It also touches on Yoga, Tantrism, and influential personalities such as Madame Blavatsky, W. B. Yeats, and C. G. Jung. Cavendish presents this intricate material with clarity and balance, offering a lively and insightful analysis that provides a clear and accurate account of a complex and captivating subject.