Bygone Beliefs: Alchemy, Magic, Talismans, etc — Alchemy

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⚗️ Alchemy

Bygone Beliefs: Alchemy, Magic, Talismans, etc

Name: Bygone Beliefs: Alchemy, Magic, Talismans, etc
Price: 41.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781443738590

✍️ Redgrove, H Stanley

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4.5

(1 review)

$41.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

H. Stanley Redgrove's 1920 classic, now revitalized, dares us to look beyond superficial dismissals of ancient wisdom. This compelling volume argues that even the most seemingly outlandish historical beliefs possess an underlying rationale, waiting to be uncovered. Redgrove, a noted contributor to The Occult Review, meticulously explores diverse subjects like alchemy, ceremonial magic, talismans, and symbolic architecture. He challenges readers to adopt a scientific mindset, investigating the deep-seated origins of what many would label mere superstition, thereby revealing the profound intellectual currents that shaped bygone eras.

Redgrove, H Stanley

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⚗️

Alchemy

🏛 Obscure Press 📅 2008 📖 288 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781443738590

Fun Fact

Redgrove's *Bygone Beliefs* excels in its intellectual honesty, challenging the reader to look beyond surface judgments of ancient thought. It offers a rare, scholarly deep dive into the rationale behind practices often dismissed as mere folly. While not a manual for magical practice, it's invaluable for anyone interested in the *why* of occult history and the evolution of human ideas. Those expecting simple answers or practical instruction will be disappointed, but serious students will find it a foundational and thought-provoking contribution to esoteric literature.

📝 Description: Bygone Beliefs: Alchemy, Magic, Talismans, etc

Originally published in 1920, this rare early work on ancient beliefs is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. Obscure Books Press have now republished it, using the original text and illustrations. The author was an expert in the study of superstitions and the occult and wrote several books on these and other related subjects, as well as being a prolific contributor to The Occult Review. In this book he expounds on his opinion that there is a reason for every belief, even the most fantastic, and that it should be our objective to discover this reason. He considers that it is too easy for the superficial thinker to dismiss much of the thought of the past as mere superstition, not worth the trouble of investigation: but that is not scientific. The book's two hundred and twenty pages contain twelve comprehensive chapters plus many illustrations: Some Characteristics of Medieval Thought Pythagoras and His Philosophy. Medicine and Magic. Superstitions Concerning Birds. The Powder of Sympathy: A Curious Medical Superstition. The Belief in Talismans. Ceremonial Magic in Theory and Practice. Architectural Symbolism. The Quest of the Philosopher's Stone. The Phallic Element in Alchemical Doctrine. Roger Bacon: An Appreciation. The Cambridge Platonists. Everything possible to be believed is an image of truth. William Blake.

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Redgrove’s analysis is a refreshing departure from mystical obscurity, grounding esoteric practices in tangible historical rationale. However, this approach may disappoint readers seeking practical spell-casting instructions or dogmatic occult doctrine. Those expecting sensationalist tales of magic might find the tone too academic or dry. The book succeeds as an intellectual exercise rather than a grimoire, appealing to those who value critical inquiry over faith-based adherence. It is not for the casual reader looking for quick thrills, but rather for the thoughtful historian interested in the evolution of human belief systems and the rational roots of seemingly irrational practices.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate the intersection of history, psychology, and occultism will find this volume particularly rewarding. It appeals to those weary of superficial judgments against ancient wisdom, offering instead a compassionate and rational lens through which to view past beliefs. If you are interested in understanding why humanity once embraced alchemy or talismans, this book provides the necessary intellectual framework. It is ideal for students of esoteric history who wish to move beyond myth-making to uncover the underlying logic of bygone eras. The text invites a scientific mindset toward subjects often dismissed as mere superstition, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking depth and context in their study of magical traditions.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

Are you a seeker of hidden meanings, intrigued by the evolution of human thought, or perhaps a student of folklore and esotericism? If you question easy dismissals of the past and yearn for a deeper understanding of ancient beliefs, this meticulously researched work offers a compelling intellectual…

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Redgrove’s analysis is a refreshing departure from mystical obscurity, grounding esoteric practices in tangible historical rationale. However, this approach may disappoint readers seeking practical spell-casting instructions or dogmatic occult doctrine. Those expecting sensationalist tales of magic might find the tone too academic or dry. The book succeeds as an intellectual exercise rather than a grimoire, appealing to those who value critical inquiry over faith-based adherence. It is not for the casual reader looking for quick thrills, but rather for the thoughtful historian interested in the evolution of human belief systems and the rational roots of seemingly irrational practices.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this is a scholarly examination of historical beliefs and practices, not an instructional manual. Redgrove explores the *theory and practice* from an analytical standpoint, dissecting their cultural and philosophical significance rather than teaching their application.

This particular edition from Obscure Books Press is a faithful reproduction of the rare 1920 original, including its complete text and illustrations. It provides an accessible way to experience a foundational, hard-to-find work for modern readers.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Deconstructing Ancient Beliefs

Redgrove fundamentally asserts that every historical belief, no matter how fantastical it appears today, originated from a comprehensible human impulse or observation. He champions a rigorous, almost scientific, approach to understanding these 'superstitions,' urging readers to seek the logical threads woven into the fabric of forgotten thought rather than dismissing them outright.

Esoteric Traditions Unveiled

The book delves into a rich tapestry of historical occultism, from the pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone in alchemy to the intricate rituals of ceremonial magic and the protective power attributed to talismans. Redgrove provides a historical overview, dissecting the theories and practices that once held significant sway in the human imagination and societal structures.

Symbolism and Ancient Thought

Redgrove illuminates how symbolic thinking permeated ancient and medieval life, exploring its manifestations in architectural design and even the overlooked 'phallic element.' He demonstrates how these symbols were not arbitrary but deeply embedded in a worldview that sought meaning and power in the natural and constructed environment, reflecting profound philosophical underpinnings.

📜 Historical context

Published in 1920, Redgrove's work emerged during a period of burgeoning interest in the occult, yet it distinguished itself through its scholarly rigor. Amidst sensationalist accounts, Redgrove offered a sober, analytical perspective, positioning himself as a pioneering figure who sought to legitimize the study of 'superstition' within academic discourse, rather than relegating it to mere curiosity.

📚 Glossary

Alchemy
Talisman
Powder of Sympathy

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might our modern scientific understanding benefit from a more empathetic re-examination of 'superstitious' beliefs?
Consider a contemporary belief or practice that might be dismissed as irrational by future generations. What underlying 'reason' might explain its existence today?
If symbols hold power, how do you perceive the symbolism embedded in your own environment or daily rituals?