The History of Magic: From Pagan Shamanism and Medieval Alchemy to Modern Witchcraft

BOOK OF THE YEAR ACCORDING TO THE TELEGRAPH.

An Oxford professor of archaeology presents a comprehensive study of the history of magic—showing its relevance and importance from ancient times to the present day.

Humanity has practiced magic for countless purposes since time immemorial—to protect itself from the numerous threats of a brutal prehistoric world, to honor the memory of ancestors, to ensure a bountiful harvest, or to cope with pain and fear. Magic permeated all spheres of the lives of ancient people, but gradually, with the development of religion and later—science, it began to decline in usage and acquired a bad reputation.
In his book, Oxford professor of archaeology Chris Gosden returns magic to its important place in world history. Drawing on numerous archaeological sources and ancient texts, he demonstrates that magic, unlike religion and science, formed a unique relationship between humans and the surrounding world, and thus even today magical practices—divination, superstitions, love spells—are present in our lives. From curses and charms of ancient Greek and Roman magic to shamanic traditions of Eurasia, indigenous peoples of the Americas and Africa; from the alchemy of the Renaissance to the mysteries of modern quantum physics—the astounding, captivating, and colorful “History of Magic” adds the missing chapter to the history of our civilization and shows why magic is still needed today.

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“In this beautifully written illustrated book, Gosden offers an encyclopedic collection of magical practices from around the world and throughout history. The cultural and historical scope of his knowledge is astonishing and makes this book an important reference guide.” — Bookpage

“Fascinating and skillfully written, this book is a global history, from the steppes of Mongolia to the palaces of Paris, told through the lens of magic that has existed throughout all times. It is an exhilarating journey of remarkable scope, filled with shamans, witches, kings, and esoteric rites. An important and necessary read, full of interesting historical discoveries.” — Simon Sebag Montefiore, historian, author