Magic and Witchcraft
Currently unavailable
This book is sold out right now. Leave your email — we'll let you know if it comes back, and you'll get 10% off any book today.
In stock now — readers of this book also loved:
Michael Bailey's "Magic and Witchcraft" offers an unparalleled journey through the multifaceted history of magical practices across human civilization. This comprehensive collection meticulously gathers pivotal scholarship, illuminating the enduring presence of magic from ancient traditions to contemporary expressions, both East and West. It deftly bridges disciplinary divides, presenting a cohesive view often missing in this expansive field. Expect deep dives into the European witch hunts, alongside critical explorations of magic's intricate relationship with science and religion, and the profound impact of gender on its perception and persecution throughout the ages.
📝 Description: Magic and Witchcraft
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Scholars, students, and serious enthusiasts of esoteric history will find immense value in this comprehensive collection. Bailey’s work is essential for those seeking to understand the deep structural connections between ancient rites and modern magical expressions. It provides a necessary corrective to fragmented views by presenting a cohesive narrative of how magic has been perceived and persecuted across genders and disciplines. Readers interested in the intellectual lineage of witchcraft, particularly regarding European hunts and the interplay with science, will gain a sophisticated, nuanced perspective that enriches their understanding of global magical traditions.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Bailey delivers a rigorous, scholarly compilation that demands attention from those willing to engage with dense academic material. It is an excellent reference for understanding the historical and sociological frameworks of magic. However, readers seeking practical spellcasting instructions, lighthearted folklore, or accessible pop-occult narratives will likely find this text too dry and theoretical. It does not cater to casual curiosity or recreational witchcraft enthusiasts, but rather serves those committed to serious historical analysis and the critical examination of magical practices through an interdisciplinary lens.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you're a serious student of the occult, a history enthusiast, or a scholar seeking a definitive, globally informed perspective on magic and witchcraft, this is your essential guide. Prepare for a rigorous, enlightening exploration of humanity's magical past and present.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Spanning Millennia and Continents
This collection meticulously traces the evolution and practice of magic and witchcraft from the earliest recorded civilizations to their manifestations in the modern world. It offers a truly global perspective, ensuring that Western developments are understood within a broader, interconnected human experience of the arcane.
Bridging Academic Divides
Recognizing the fragmented nature of scholarship in this field, Bailey's work serves as a crucial nexus. It skillfully unifies diverse academic perspectives on magic, drawing connections between historical, anthropological, and sociological studies that typically remain isolated, offering a holistic understanding.
Interrogating Core Concepts
The book delves into pivotal theoretical questions, exploring the complex interplay between magic, science, and religion. It also dedicates significant attention to the early modern European witch hunts, and incisively examines the pervasive role of gender in shaping both the practice and persecution of magical traditions globally.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Esotericism
- Syncretism
- Historiography
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How does understanding the global history of magic challenge or affirm your preconceived notions about its nature and role in human society?
- Consider the theoretical issues discussed (magic, science, religion). How do these concepts intersect or diverge in different historical or cultural contexts presented in the book?
- Reflect on the role of gender in the perception and persecution of magical practices. What patterns emerge, and what implications do they have for understanding power dynamics?
📖 Read on the blog
🏛 Books from this publisher Routledge
All books from this publisher →
You might also like
See more →
Have a question about this item?
Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.
