Do I need to read these books in order?

No, the volumes stand alone. Each book addresses a specific topic, such as Roman traditionalism or modern Satanism, without requiring prior knowledge from other titles in the series.

What topics does this series cover?

The series covers diverse subjects including the subtle body, occult imperium in Fascist Italy, magical diaries of Leah Hirsig, near-death experiences in Christianity, and the origins of modern religious Satanism.

Is this suitable for beginners?

These are academic studies focusing on historical and theological analysis. Readers should expect scholarly approaches to esoteric history rather than introductory guides or practical manuals for novices.

Reading order & editions

Oxford Studies in Western Esotericism: Academic Analysis

5 books in the catalog · Oxford University Press, USA

Children of Lucifer: The Origins of Modern Religious Satanism Van Luijk, Ruben

What Is It Like to Be Dead?: Near-Death Experiences, Christianity, and the Occult Schlieter, Jens

Occult Imperium: Arturo Reghini, Roman Traditionalism, and the Anti-Modern Reaction in Fascist Italy Giudice, Christian

Series authors

Writers represented in Oxford Studies in Western Esotericism

A short note on each author and their books in this series.

Henrik Bogdan

1 book in the series

All books by this author →

Simon Cox

1 book in the series

All books by this author →

Series reading order: Oxford Studies in Western Esotericism

1 Children of Lucifer: The Origins of Modern Religious Satanism Van Luijk, Ruben · 2016 $79.99 View →
2 What Is It Like to Be Dead?: Near-Death Experiences, Christianity, and the Occult Schlieter, Jens · 2018 $45.99 View →
3 Subtle Body: A Genealogy Cox, Simon · 2021 $109.99 View →
4 Occult Imperium: Arturo Reghini, Roman Traditionalism, and the Anti-Modern Reaction in Fascist Italy Giudice, Christian · 2022 $109.99 View →
5 The Magical Diaries of Leah Hirsig, 1923-1925: Aleister Crowley, Magick, and the New Occult Woman Hedenborg White, Manon · 2025 $111.99 View →

The Oxford Studies in Western Esotericism series publishes scholarly research into the hidden currents of Western thought. These volumes examine historical figures, texts, and movements that lie outside mainstream religious or philosophical norms. The collection includes studies on Roman traditionalism in Fascist Italy, the magical practices of Aleister Crowley’s circle, and the genealogy of subtle body concepts. It also addresses modern religious Satanism and near-death experiences within Christian and occult contexts. Each volume contributes to a broader academic understanding of esotericism as a distinct field of study.