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Investigating Magic

Name: Investigating Magic
Price: 13.02 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781680485813

✍️ Horsley, Kathryn

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$13.02 ~~$15.05~~ Save $2.03 (13%)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Kathryn Horsley examines supernatural traditions, medieval witchcraft, stage illusions, and the science behind magical beliefs.

Key Themes

ancient black magic medieval witchcraft stage magic entertainment

Literary Context

The work places magical beliefs within human civilization, tracing concepts from ancient times and medieval witchcraft to modern secular societies where stage performance and Harry Potter persist as popular entertainment.

Horsley, Kathryn

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Rosen Education Service historical overviews · General interest histories of witchcraft · Introductory texts on the sociology of magic

🏛 Rosen Education Service 📅 2016 📖 48 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781680485813

Fun Fact

Kathryn Horsley's "Investigating Magic" offers a remarkably accessible and comprehensive overview of magic's multifaceted history. It skillfully balances cultural appreciation with scientific inquiry, making complex topics digestible for a general audience. While it excels at contextualizing magic within human civilization, those seeking a deep dive into specific occult traditions might find its breadth necessitates a more general treatment. It sits as an excellent introductory text, bridging the gap between academic study and popular fascination.

📝 Description: Investigating Magic

Kathryn Horsley presents a factual intro to supernatural beliefs and theatrical illusions across human history. The text examines traditions ranging from ancient black magic to medieval witchcraft, showing how practices intended to invoke supernatural forces appear in almost every human society. It also covers stage magic and modern children's entertainment, citing Harry Potter to illustrate how magical themes remain popular in secular culture. Published by Rosen Education Service on July 30, 2016, this 48-page paperback outlines both paranormal claims and performative tricks. Horsley addresses the science that explains away many historical occurrences, offering readers a clear perspective on how mysterious phenomena are debunked. The physical volume measures 0.25 centimeters high, 23.19 centimeters long, and 16.51 centimeters wide. This title suits young readers researching juvenile fiction or general magical themes for study. It does not suit adult practitioners seeking operational spellbooks, esoteric rituals, or advanced occult theory.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This text provides a sweeping, accessible overview of magical history, effectively linking ancient rituals with modern pop culture phenomena. However, it is not suited for practitioners seeking practical grimoires or serious scholars looking for deep theological analysis. The tone is informative and broad, prioritizing historical context over nuanced argumentation. Readers expecting rigorous academic critique or detailed instructions on spellwork will likely find the content too general. It functions best as a cultural survey, appealing to those interested in the anthropological and entertainment aspects of magic rather than its occult mechanics. While thorough in scope, it lacks the depth required for specialized study.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers curious about the intersection of history, belief, and performance will find this book an accessible entry point into the world of magical studies. It is ideal for those who want to understand how supernatural forces have shaped diverse global cultures without getting bogged down in dense academic jargon. The text offers a refreshing perspective by connecting ancient sorcery with modern stage illusions and fantasy series, making the arcane feel relevant and tangible. By demystifying paranormal claims through scientific principles, it empowers readers to appreciate both the artistry of magic and the historical weight of magical belief. It serves as a perfect primer for anyone seeking a broad, engaging overview rather than a specialized technical manual.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're curious about the origins of human belief in the supernatural, fascinated by the history of witchcraft, or intrigued by the science behind illusions, this engaging book offers a perfect starting point for your exploration. It's ideal for inquisitive minds of all ages.

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This text provides a sweeping, accessible overview of magical history, effectively linking ancient rituals with modern pop culture phenomena. However, it is not suited for practitioners seeking practical grimoires or serious scholars looking for deep theological analysis. The tone is informative and broad, prioritizing historical context over nuanced argumentation. Readers expecting rigorous academic critique or detailed instructions on spellwork will likely find the content too general. It functions best as a cultural survey, appealing to those interested in the anthropological and entertainment aspects of magic rather than its occult mechanics. While thorough in scope, it lacks the depth required for specialized study.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this book is an academic and cultural exploration of magic's history and its role in society, not a practical guide for spellcasting or occult rituals.

It covers both extensively. The book delves into historical beliefs about paranormal magic and also explores the world of performative magic and how it functions as entertainment.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Ancient Practices & Beliefs

Explores the deep roots of magical thought, tracing its presence from primordial human societies to the intricate rituals of ancient sorcery and the evolving traditions of medieval witchcraft, showcasing its pervasive influence across diverse cultures.

Magic as Entertainment

Investigates the fascinating role magic plays in modern, secular contexts, highlighting its transformation into a celebrated form of performance art, such as stage illusions, and its beloved status in popular culture through fantasy narratives like "Harry Potter."

Demystifying the Supernatural

This book thoughtfully examines the intersection of belief and understanding, introducing readers to various magical phenomena while simultaneously presenting the scientific explanations and rational perspectives that often illuminate the underlying mechanisms behind these perceived wonders.

📜 Historical context

This work contributes to a long tradition of scholarship that examines magic not merely as superstition, but as a profound cultural phenomenon. It positions magic—both as a spiritual practice and as performance—within its historical and societal frameworks, offering a comprehensive look at how these beliefs and spectacles have shaped human experience across different eras.

📚 Glossary

Black Magic
Witchcraft
Secular Societies

📔 Questions to reflect on

Consider a cultural practice or belief from your own background that might be considered 'magical' by an outsider. How would you explain its significance?
Reflect on a time you encountered a stage magic trick. What made it captivating, and how did your understanding of it (or lack thereof) contribute to its impact?
If you could speak to an ancient practitioner of magic, what questions would you ask them about their understanding of the world and its hidden forces?