About the author
Liana Saif is a scholar of Islamic intellectual history and the history of Western esotericism, whose research focuses on the transmission of astrological and magical theory between the Arabic and Latin worlds. Her book The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy, published by Palgrave Macmillan, argues that medieval Arabic astrological and magical texts supplied early modern European occult philosophy with a naturalistic, broadly Aristotelian account of astral influence and magical efficacy, reshaping how historians understand the intellectual roots of Renaissance magic. The book is an academic study, grounded in close reading of primary sources across both traditions, aimed at readers working in the history of science, philosophy, or esotericism rather than practitioners looking for magical technique. It remains a standard reference for anyone tracing how Arabic learning shaped European ideas about astrology and the occult.
📖 Where to start with Liana Saif
💬 What our editors say about Liana Saif's books
“Saif delivers a meticulously researched argument that will satisfy historians of science and esotericism alike. However, this is not a practical guide for modern magicians seeking spells or simple historical anecdotes. It is a…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy (2015) Saif, Liana
“This groundbreaking study meticulously traces the profound impact of medieval Arabic intellectual traditions on early modern Western occult philosophy. It reveals how Islamic scholarship provided a sophisticated, naturalistic…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Arabic Influences on Early Modern Occult Philosophy (2015) Saif, Liana
