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A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult

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A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult

By: DK
Narrated by: Susie Riddell
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About this listen

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
Customs & Traditions Magic Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Religious Studies Social Sciences Parapsychology Witchcraft Divination Tradition Mythology Magic Users Extrasensory Perception Astrology Paranormal Fantasy Shamanism Middle Ages Ancient History Middle East
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Most relevant  
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.

Revisited this book with a different perspective

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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!

Beautifully Narrated, Thorough Content.

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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.

Not for me

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.