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  • A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult

  • By: DK
  • Narrated by: Susie Riddell
  • Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (41 ratings)

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A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult

By: DK
Narrated by: Susie Riddell
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Publisher's Summary

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 (P)2020 DK Audio

What listeners say about A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Revisited this book with a different perspective

Didn't like this book on first listening but decided to give it another go and found the content is more like a once over lightly on many topics. Some things are mentioned early in the book and then filled out in later chapters. Over all it's a good introductory book and gives a starting point if you want to do further research elsewhere.

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Not for me

Well read and I’m sure there is an audience for this out there but just not for me. Reads like an encyclopaedia of magic lore.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully Narrated, Thorough Content.

At first, the content feels like several chapters of facts and I was a bit lost, but upon finishing the book and re-listening, it makes wonderful sense, feels relevant to me towards the later centuries, and is in depth in many different cultures. I appreciate that the author has done much research and seems unbiased. The narrator has a clear voice in tone and accent. I would love more from this narrator!

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