A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult

Author DK
Foreword by Suzannah Lipscomb
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.
We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in.
 
From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books. 

https://www.dk.com/ View titles by DK
“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
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About

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.

Author

We believe in the power of discovery. That's why we create books for everyone that explore ideas and nurture curiosity about the world we live in.
 
From first words to the Big Bang, from the wonders of nature to city adventures, you will find expert knowledge, hours of fun and endless inspiration in the pages of our books. 

https://www.dk.com/ View titles by DK

Praise

“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

Photos

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