The Occult, Witchcraft & Magic: An Illustrated History

A spellbinding history of esoteric knowledge, from Stone Age shamans and Mesopotamian astrology to Freemasonry and magic in the modern world, by the author of the bestselling Monsters

Our belief in some form of magic runs throughout human history. In fact, in an increasingly rational and scientific world, the idea that occult or arcane knowledge can give us access to another, hidden reality is as strong and widespread as ever.

The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic is a lively and fascinating history of all things cryptic, mystic and other-worldly, beginning with the earliest evidence of magical thinking amid the gloom of a Palaeolithic cave, and ending in the bright light of our digital age and its newfound interest in paganism.

With hundreds of images drawn from rare and unusual sources, in-depth explorations of crosscultural themes and profiles of key figures from the history of magic, this is a bewitching and irresistible treasury of esoteric thought that will appeal to believers and sceptics alike.

Christopher Dell has written and edited many bestselling titles on art and visual culture, including Monsters, Freemasonry, Mythology and What Makes a Masterpiece?, all published by Thames & Hudson.