A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and t..., DK
A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and t..., DK
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A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult

Author: DK

Narrator: Susie Riddell

Unabridged: 8 hr 51 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: DK

Published: 08/18/2020


Synopsis

Discover the beguiling history of witchcraft, magic, and superstition through the centuries and across the world in this stunningly audiobook.

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 - 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 listeners with a comprehensive, balanced, and unbiased 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, this audiobook explores the common human fear of, and fascination with spells, superstition, and the supernatural.

The perfect introduction to magic and the occult, it explores forms of divination from astrology and palmistry to the Tarot and runestones, mystical plants and potions such as mandrake, the presence of witchcraft in literature from Shakespeare's Macbeth to the Harry Potter series, and the ways in which magic has interacted with religion.

The most comprehensive history of witchcraft available, A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult will enthral and fascinate you with its lavish, accessible entries, whether you are a believer or sceptic.

© 2020 Dorling Kindersley Ltd © 2020 DK Audio

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.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jasmin on August 29, 2020

I will say upfront that this book either needs to be a physical book or pairing the physical and the audiobook. It’s not to say it is not fascinating. Still, I missed a few things because I did not have a visual representation of something that I assume are in the book from how the audio goes. A Hi......more

Goodreads review by Katie (DoomKittieKhan) on November 06, 2021

Who doesn't love a DK picture book aimed at adults? This full-color and lusciously illustrated book offers a study of magical and occult practices from cultures around the world through the lens of material culture. In terms of timeline, the book covers a vast chronology of magical practices and wra......more

Goodreads review by Cloud on June 07, 2024

4 stars A great beginner book for anyone interested in learning about the occult and various belief systems. I know you can’t include everything, but I would have liked to see more South American and African based mysticism/ spiritualities mentioned.......more

Goodreads review by Verónica on February 25, 2021

Starting point for further investigation. At times too vague for my taste.......more

Goodreads review by McKenzie on March 15, 2021

This book is an absolutely gorgeous overview of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult. It has divided the history up chronologically and provides beautiful colored photos throughout. The topics range from the general history, but then it goes into greater details about a variety of topics to give the re......more


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