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History of Magic and Experimental Science: Seventeenth Century by Thorndike, Lynn
History of Magic and Experimental Science: Seventeenth Century — photo 1 History of Magic and Experimental Science: Seventeenth Century — photo 2
Occult Philosophy

History of Magic and Experimental Science: Seventeenth Century

Thorndike, Lynn
Reader rating
4.6
(4 reviews) 121 sold
$95.00 75 Editorial score How we rate
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Occult Philosophy
Foundational works on correspondences, cosmology, hidden knowledge and the nature of magic.
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🏛 Columbia University Press 📖 695 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9780231088008

📝 Description: History of Magic and Experimental Science: Seventeenth Century

Step into the intellectual crucible of the Seventeenth Century with Lynn Thorndike's monumental 'History of Magic and Experimental Science.' This essential volume unveils a period where the boundaries between arcane wisdom and nascent scientific inquiry were fluid and deeply interconnected. Delving into occult philosophy and the burgeoning fields of experimental science, Thorndike meticulously traces how the mystical and the empirical coexisted, influenced, and often propelled each other forward. Discover the foundational links between ancient magical traditions, early technology, and the very roots of modern scientific thought. An indispensable resource for anyone fascinated by the complex, interwoven history of human understanding.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 4 reviews
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Paul L.
October 26, 2025
Essential reading

Grabbed this during a weekend order. Not a light read, but far more accessible than I feared. Deserves a place on any esoteric bookshelf.

O
Owen K. ✓ Verified purchase
May 7, 2025
Excellent find

Came across this title in a footnote and had to track it down. It rewards patience more than any book I've bought this year. There's real depth here that reveals itself on a second reading. Five stars from me.

S
Steven N. ✓ Verified purchase
April 14, 2025

This edition finally does the material justice. The material is presented clearly and the structure makes it easy to revisit key passages. It assumes more background than a beginner might have. Happy enough with the purchase.

W
Walter R. ✓ Verified purchase
February 26, 2025
My new favorite

I keep coming back to this one. The ideas are old but land with surprising force today. My only regret is not ordering it sooner.

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