Description
Grimoires, handbooks of magic and occult knowledge, have existed alongside other magical and religious texts throughout the centuries, partly due to the need to create a tangible record of magical phenomena, but also to practice magic through incantations and rituals. To understand the history of these texts, knowledge of the influence of the great religions, the development of early science, the cultural impact of printing, increasing literacy, the social consequences of colonialism, and the global growth of esoteric cultures is essential. With over two hundred colorful illustrations dating from antiquity to the present day, renowned scholar Owen Davies explores the little-studied artistic qualities of magical books, revealing a unique world of design and imagination. The book explores the topic globally, recounting Egyptian and Greek papyri, ancient Chinese bamboo strips, cheap South American wood-pulp prints, Japanese demon encyclopedias, and many other examples. This book is indispensable for readers interested in the history of magic and science, as well as for anyone interested in the history of books and manuscripts.
Author: Owen Davies
Co-author: None
Format: 196x252mm
Language: Dutch
Number of pages: 256
ISBN13: 9789464990683
