Do You Believe in Magic? (a Wild Thing Book): The Search for Wonder, from Sorcery to Science Krantz, Laura by Krantz, Laura

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Crystals & Energy

Do You Believe in Magic? (a Wild Thing Book): The Search for Wonder, from Sorcery to Science Krantz, Laura

Name: Do You Believe in Magic? (a Wild Thing Book): The Search for Wonder, from Sorcery to Science Krantz, Laura
Price: 11.00 USD
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Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Author: Krantz, Laura
ISBN: 9781419758232

Krantz, Laura

Reader rating

4.5

(1 reviews) 79 sold

$11.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unravel the ancient threads where sorcery and scientific inquiry intertwine.

Laura Krantz, drawing from her "Wild Thing" podcast, embarks on a captivating investigation into the true nature of magic. This volume delves beyond mere fantasy, exploring historical practices from alchemical pursuits to protective rituals and potent curses. It meticulously uncovers the surprising connections between what we once called magic and the foundational principles of modern scientific fields like chemistry and astronomy. Krantz applies a journalistic approach, dissecting how ancient beliefs and practices have profoundly shaped human culture and our understanding of the natural world, bridging the mystical with the methodical.

Key themes

Magic's Scientific Roots Cultural Impact of Sorcery Bridging Wonder and Reason

Historical context

This volume bridges the historical gap between ancient esoteric practices and the emergence of modern scientific inquiry, positioning itself within the tradition of popular history that demystifies the origins of human knowledge.

Krantz, Laura

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Difficulty

● Easy

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💎 Crystals & Energy

🏛 Abrams Books for Young Readers 📅 2026 📖 176 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781419758232

Fun fact

This book is an essential primer for anyone intrigued by the historical dance between mystery and reason. Krantz expertly demystifies "magic" without stripping away its wonder, presenting a compelling case for its foundational role in scientific discovery. While its accessible style makes it perfect for younger readers or those new to esoteric studies, seasoned occultists might find it a gateway rather than an exhaustive treatise. It's a thoughtful, well-researched bridge between ancient wisdom and modern understanding.

📝 Description: Do You Believe in Magic? (a Wild Thing Book): The Search for Wonder, from Sorcery to Science Krantz, Laura

Inspired by her popular Wild Thing podcast, journalist Laura Krantz incorporates the scientific method and her journalistic skills to determine if magic might be real in Do You Believe in Magic? Magic--spells and curses, hexes and potions, superstition, and rituals. We've all heard stories of alchemists attempting to turn abundant lead into precious, rare gold. Or of poor, unfortunate souls asking potion masters to brew up unappetizing concoctions that will help them find love. And of course, we're familiar with curses--muttering magical words for the purposes of exacting revenge on an enemy, or protecting a hidden treasure. Who wouldn't like the idea of special powers, or control over the natural world? It seems pretty fun, even if it's just the stuff of fantasy books and movies. But a lot of what we call "magic" has grounding in real practices. In fact, magic is at the root of many scientific fields--from chemistry to botany to astronomy--and has been an important part of human culture for thousands of years. Do You Believe in Magic? takes readers through a world where magic and science collide. What do they have in common? Where do they differ? What role has magic played in our history, and the history of science? Why is magic still significant, even when it doesn't seem to line up with reality? And is it possible to be scientifically minded and still believe in magic? Readers are encouraged to weigh the facts and go beyond their gut assumptions, to stretch their imaginations and think about why magic and science might be two sides of the same coin. Includes color illustrations, an at-home science/magic experiment, glossary, bibliography, and index

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Krantz effectively demystifies the past by linking ancient magical practices to the foundations of science. However, this approach may disappoint readers seeking deep, scholarly analysis or those who prefer strict adherence to established academic historiography over journalistic storytelling. It is not suitable for experts looking for rigorous primary source critiques. Instead, it serves as an engaging entry point for novices curious about how curiosity evolved from ritual to method. The tone is light and accessible, making it a pleasant read for general audiences, though it lacks the depth required for serious researchers in occult history.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the intersection of mysticism and empirical observation will find this book a delightful exploration. It appeals to those who enjoy journalistic investigations into how ancient beliefs shaped our current understanding of the natural world. Ideal for casual learners, it offers accessible insights into alchemy, astronomy, and protective rituals without requiring prior academic expertise. Those seeking to understand the cultural threads connecting sorcery to modern chemistry will appreciate the clear, engaging narrative that makes complex historical connections feel immediate and relevant.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

For the curious seeker, the budding alchemist, or anyone who's ever wondered if there's more to "magic" than fantasy. This book offers a compelling introduction to how ancient esoteric practices laid foundations for our modern scientific world.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Krantz effectively demystifies the past by linking ancient magical practices to the foundations of science. However, this approach may disappoint readers seeking deep, scholarly analysis or those who prefer strict adherence to established academic historiography over journalistic storytelling. It is not suitable for experts looking for rigorous primary source critiques. Instead, it serves as an engaging entry point for novices curious about how curiosity evolved from ritual to method. The tone is light and accessible, making it a pleasant read for general audiences, though it lacks the depth required for serious researchers in occult history.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Not at all. While acknowledging the fantastical, this book primarily investigates the historical and cultural significance of magic, exploring its real-world practices and surprising connections to the development of science.

No. It adopts a journalistic, inquisitive stance, examining magic as a phenomenon from a socio-historical and scientific perspective rather than promoting or teaching specific spells or rituals.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Magic's Scientific Roots

This book brilliantly excavates how many magical practices were early forms of scientific inquiry. From alchemists experimenting with transmutations to herbalists understanding plant properties, it reveals how ancient sorcery often laid the groundwork for modern chemistry, botany, and even astronomy, blurring the lines between mystical understanding and empirical observation.

Cultural Impact of Sorcery

Explore the profound and enduring role magic has played throughout human history across diverse cultures. The text examines how spells, curses, and rituals weren't just superstitions but integral parts of societal structures, belief systems, and even legal frameworks, influencing everything from daily life to grand historical narratives.

Bridging Wonder and Reason

Krantz masterfully navigates the tension and synergy between the human desire for wonder and the pursuit of rational understanding. She investigates how our fascination with the extraordinary has evolved from primal incantations to systematic scientific method, illustrating that the quest to comprehend and influence the world remains a constant.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Consider the alchemist, not as a charlatan, but as an early chemist, meticulously experimenting with elements in a quest that transcended mere greed.”

“The line between a healing potion and a botanical remedy was often blurred, a testament to humanity's enduring quest to harness nature's hidden powers.”

📜 Historical context

This work situates itself within a long tradition of examining the interplay between ancient mystical traditions and the nascent stages of scientific thought. It echoes the inquiries of Renaissance thinkers who sought to reconcile hermetic philosophy with emerging empirical observations, offering a modern, accessible lens on the historical continuum from occult arts to established sciences.

📚 Glossary

Alchemy
Rituals
Curses

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does understanding the historical connection between magic and science change your perception of both fields?
Reflect on a "magical" belief or practice from your own culture or personal history. How might it connect to underlying natural phenomena or psychological principles?
If you were to apply the "scientific method" to a modern superstition, what would be your hypothesis and initial steps?