The Oxford History of Witchcraft and Magic Davies, Owen

Name: The Oxford History of Witchcraft and Magic Davies, Owen
Price: 20.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Davies, Owen
ISBN: 9780192884053

✍️ Davies, Owen

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unravel magic's enduring global saga, from ancient incantations to pop culture's embrace.

This compelling history provides a fresh and engaging overview of magic and witchcraft across vast stretches of time. Beginning with humanity's earliest written records, it meticulously traces the evolution of magical beliefs and practices, the harrowing emergence of witch trials, and the shifting portrayal of the witch, often intertwined with diabolism. The narrative extends its gaze to modern times, exploring the resurgence of magical thought since the Enlightenment, anthropological insights into global magical traditions, and the pervasive influence of magic and witches in contemporary media, from classic cinema to popular television series.

Key themes

{'title': 'Evolution of Witchcraft Narratives', 'body': "This volume meticulously charts how the concept of witchcraft has transformed across millennia. From its ancient origins, through the dark period of the witch trials and the terrifying image of the Devil's accomplice, to its contemporary interpretations in literature and film, the book reveals the shifting cultural anxieties and beliefs projected onto the figure of the witch."} {'title': 'Global Magical Practices', 'body': 'Beyond Western perceptions, the text explores a diverse spectrum of magical beliefs and rituals from various cultures worldwide. It moves beyond singular narratives to encompass the rich tapestry of global magical traditions, offering insights into how different societies have understood, employed, and integrated magic into their daily lives and spiritual frameworks throughout history.'} {'title': 'Magic in Modernity', 'body': "The book uniquely extends its historical gaze to magic's enduring presence from the Enlightenment to the present day. It investigates the resurgence of magical thought in contemporary society, its anthropological study, and its pervasive influence in popular media, demonstrating how ancient beliefs continue to resonate and adapt in our modern world, from academic discourse to cinematic representation."}

🏛 Oxford University Press 📅 2023 📖 342 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780192884053

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Fun fact

Owen Davies delivers an accessible yet authoritative journey through millennia of mystical thought. This book excels in its panoramic scope, deftly connecting ancient rites to modern screen magic. While comprehensive, those seeking deep dives into specific magical systems might find its breadth sacrifices some depth. It’s an essential addition for anyone curious about the pervasive, evolving role of magic and witchcraft in human history and culture, offering a solid foundational understanding.

📝 Description: The Oxford History of Witchcraft and Magic Davies, Owen

bHistories you can trust./b This history provides a readable and fresh approach to the extensive and complex story of witchcraft and magic. Telling the story from the dawn of writing in the ancient world to the globally successful Harry Potter films, the authors explore a wide range of magical beliefs and practices, the rise of the witch trials, and the depiction of the Devil-worshipping witch. The book also focuses on the more recent history of witchcraft and magic, from the Enlightenment to the present, exploring the rise of modern magic, the anthropology of magic around the globe, and finally the cinematic portrayal of witches and magicians, from The Wizard of Oz to Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

⭐ Reader reviews

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the deep roots of magic, curious about the history of witchcraft accusations, or simply want to understand how ancient beliefs shape modern culture, this extensive survey offers an illuminating and engaging journey through millennia of mystical thought.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

No, while European witch trials are covered, the book offers a global perspective on magical beliefs and practices, incorporating anthropological insights from various cultures worldwide throughout different historical periods.

Despite its comprehensive historical scope, the book is designed to be highly readable. It presents complex information in an engaging manner, making it suitable for both academic study and enthusiastic general readers interested in the subject.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Evolution of Witchcraft Narratives

This volume meticulously charts how the concept of witchcraft has transformed across millennia. From its ancient origins, through the dark period of the witch trials and the terrifying image of the Devil's accomplice, to its contemporary interpretations in literature and film, the book reveals the shifting cultural anxieties and beliefs projected onto the figure of the witch.

Global Magical Practices

Beyond Western perceptions, the text explores a diverse spectrum of magical beliefs and rituals from various cultures worldwide. It moves beyond singular narratives to encompass the rich tapestry of global magical traditions, offering insights into how different societies have understood, employed, and integrated magic into their daily lives and spiritual frameworks throughout history.

Magic in Modernity

The book uniquely extends its historical gaze to magic's enduring presence from the Enlightenment to the present day. It investigates the resurgence of magical thought in contemporary society, its anthropological study, and its pervasive influence in popular media, demonstrating how ancient beliefs continue to resonate and adapt in our modern world, from academic discourse to cinematic representation.

💬 Quotes from the book

«From the earliest cuneiform tablets describing incantations to the digital spells cast on screen, magic has always been a mirror reflecting humanity's deepest desires and fears.»

«The witch, in her myriad forms, has served as both scapegoat and symbol of empowerment, her image constantly reshaped by societal anxieties and evolving spiritual landscapes.»

📜 Historical context

This work stands within a long tradition of scholarship aiming to demystify and historicize magical beliefs rather than dismiss them. It offers a broad, accessible overview, distinguishing itself by its vast chronological scope—from antiquity to the present—and its inclusion of popular culture, bridging academic rigor with a contemporary understanding of magic's cultural impact.

📚 Glossary

Diabolism
Anthropological Study of Magic
Enlightenment

📔 Questions to reflect on

How have popular media portrayals of magic and witchcraft influenced your own understanding or perceptions of these ancient practices?
Considering the historical instances of witch hunts, what societal anxieties or power dynamics do you believe contribute to the scapegoating of specific groups?
In what ways do you see elements of 'magical thinking' or belief in unseen forces persisting in contemporary rational society?