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Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival (Revised) McIntosh, Christopher — Occult Philosophy

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Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival (Revised) McIntosh, Christopher

Name: Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival (Revised) McIntosh, Christopher
Price: 87.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: McIntosh, Christopher
ISBN: 9781438435572

✍️ McIntosh, Christopher

Reader Score

4.8

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Christopher McIntosh's reissued work offers an insightful exploration into the life and lasting legacy of Eliphas Lévi, a pivotal figure in 19th-century esotericism. Delving into his multifaceted roles as a theologian, social reformer, and magical theoretician, the book illuminates how Lévi's writings profoundly shaped contemporary magical practice and symbolic understanding, particularly concerning the Tarot. Beyond Lévi, this comprehensive study also contextualizes his contributions within the broader French occult revival, tracing connections to earlier esoteric societies and subsequent influential figures who built upon his foundational ideas.

McIntosh, Christopher

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Occult Philosophy

Praise for this book

“...one of the best English sources of information on this fascinating milieu.”

— Heathen Harvest

🏛 State University of New York Press 📅 2011 📖 256 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781438435572

Fun Fact

McIntosh's definitive study is a welcome return to our shelves, offering an unparalleled deep dive into Eliphas Lévi and his profound impact. It excels in tracing the intricate web of influences that shaped the French occult revival, making complex historical threads accessible. While it won't delve into practical magical techniques, it's indispensable for anyone seeking a scholarly understanding of modern esotericism's intellectual foundations. This book firmly reclaims its place as a cornerstone in occult literature.

📝 Description: Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival (Revised) McIntosh, Christopher

A searching study of Eliphas Lévi and the French occult revival. This classic study of the French magician Eliphas Lévi and the occult revival in France is at last available again after being out of print and highly sought after for many years. Its central focus is Lévi himself (1810-1875), would-be priest, revolutionary socialist, utopian visionary, artist, poet and, above all, author of a number of seminal books on magic and occultism. It is largely thanks to Lévi, for example, that the Tarot is so widely used today as a divinatory method and a system of esoteric symbolism. The magicians of the Golden Dawn were strongly influenced by him, and Aleister Crowley even believed himself to be Lévi's reincarnation. The book is not only about Lévi, however, but also covers the era of which he was a part and the remarkable figures who preceded and followed him - the esoteric Freemasons and Illuminati of the late 18th century, and later figures such as the Rosicrucian magus Joséphin Péladan, the occultist Papus (Gérard Encausse), the Counter-Pope Eugène Vintras, and the writer J.-K. Huysmans, whose work drew strongly on occult themes. These people were avatars of a set of traditions which are now seen as an important part of the western heritage and which are gaining increasing attention in the academy. Christopher McIntosh's vivid account of this richly fascinating era in the history of occultism remains as fresh and compelling as ever.

📑 What's inside

Acknowledgements Introduction
Part I. The Age of Reason
1. The Rebirth of Magic
2. The Occult and the Revolution
3. Revolutionary Cults
4. The Beginnings of Popular Occultism
5. Magnetisers and Mediums
6. The Holy King
Part II. Eliphas Levi
7 The Early Years
8. The Radical
9. Enter Eliphas Levi
10. The Magician
11. The Pundit
12. The Last Years
13. Eliphas Levi: an Assessment
Part III. Towards the Kingdom of the Paraclete
14. The Heirs of Eliphas Levi
15. The War of the Roses
16. The Magical Quest of J.-K Huysmans
17. Writers and the Occult
18. Satanists and Anti-Satanists
19. The Indian Summer of Occultism
Appendix A Appendix B
Select Bibliography Index

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

McIntosh delivers a comprehensive study that successfully contextualizes Eliphas Lévi’s contributions within the French occult revival, tracing connections to earlier societies and later figures. The revision updates previous insights, making it a sturdy reference for understanding the shift in esoteric thought during the nineteenth century. However, this text is not suited for casual readers seeking narrative fiction or practical spell-casting instructions; it is an academic exploration of intellectual history rather than a manual. Those looking for superficial overviews may find the depth challenging, while those interested in strict theological doctrine might prefer primary sources over historical analysis.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the intellectual and spiritual foundations of modern Western esotericism. Readers will gain a profound appreciation for how Eliphas Lévi’s multifaceted life as a theologian, social reformer, and magical theoretician shaped our current symbolic understanding, particularly regarding Tarot. By contextualizing his work within the broader French occult revival, Christopher McIntosh illuminates the lineage of ideas that influenced subsequent generations of practitioners. It is ideal for scholars, serious students of magic, and history enthusiasts who wish to unearth the roots of their craft. You will find value in seeing how Lévi’s legacy persists in contemporary magical practice, offering a clear, insightful map through complex historical currents without relying on obscure jargon.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.8/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the origins of modern magic, the evolution of esoteric thought, or the lives of visionary occultists, this book is essential. It offers a comprehensive, scholarly yet engaging look at a crucial period in occult history.

Reader rating

4.8

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

McIntosh delivers a comprehensive study that successfully contextualizes Eliphas Lévi’s contributions within the French occult revival, tracing connections to earlier societies and later figures. The revision updates previous insights, making it a sturdy reference for understanding the shift in esoteric thought during the nineteenth century. However, this text is not suited for casual readers seeking narrative fiction or practical spell-casting instructions; it is an academic exploration of intellectual history rather than a manual. Those looking for superficial overviews may find the depth challenging, while those interested in strict theological doctrine might prefer primary sources over historical analysis.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While Lévi is the central figure, the book broadens its scope to include the entire French occult revival of his era, examining the influential figures who both preceded and followed him, providing a rich contextual understanding.

This revised edition makes a long out-of-print and highly sought-after classic available once more. Its return is crucial for serious students and enthusiasts who wish to delve into a foundational text on modern occult history.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Lévi's Multifaceted Genius

This study meticulously chronicles Eliphas Lévi's extraordinary journey, from his early aspirations as a priest to his evolution into a revolutionary thinker, artist, and ultimately, a foundational author in modern magic. The book dissects his various identities, revealing how his diverse experiences informed his unique synthesis of esoteric philosophy and practical occultism, which continues to resonate today.

French Occult Revival

The book places Lévi at the heart of a dynamic period of esoteric resurgence in France. It explores the intellectual and cultural landscape that fostered this revival, highlighting the connections between Lévi and predecessors like the esoteric Freemasons, as well as successors such as Papus and Huysmans. This contextualization reveals the intricate web of influence and innovation characteristic of the era.

Enduring Esoteric Legacy

McIntosh demonstrates Lévi's unparalleled impact on the development of Western esotericism. The text details how Lévi's interpretations transformed the Tarot into a widely recognized divinatory and symbolic system. It further illustrates his direct inspiration on influential groups like the Golden Dawn and even individuals such as Aleister Crowley, underscoring his enduring relevance in magical traditions.

📜 Historical context

The work situates Lévi and the French occult revival within a continuum of Western esoteric traditions, linking 19th-century developments to earlier currents like the Illuminati and esoteric Freemasonry from the late 18th century. It traces how these foundational mystical and magical streams coalesced and re-emerged, significantly shaping the trajectory of subsequent occult movements and figures.

📚 Glossary

Occult Revival
Esoteric Symbolism
Divination

📔 Questions to reflect on

Consider Lévi's diverse background as a priest, socialist, and artist. How might these seemingly disparate paths have converged to inform his unique magical philosophy?
Reflect on the concept of an 'occult revival.' What socio-cultural conditions do you believe contribute to such periods of renewed esoteric interest?
Lévi significantly influenced the interpretation of the Tarot. How do you perceive the balance between tradition and innovation in the development of esoteric systems?