The history of magic and spellbooks (Dutch language)

Grimoires, manuals for magic and occult knowledge, existed alongside other magical and religious texts throughout the centuries, partly due to the need to create a tangible document of magical phenomena, but also to practice magic through spells and rituals. To understand the history of these texts, knowledge of the influence of major religions, the development of early science, the cultural impact of the printing press, increasing literacy, the social consequences of colonialism, and the global growth of esoteric cultures is indispensable. With more than two hundred colorful illustrations dating from antiquity to the present, the renowned scholar Owen Davies explores the little-studied artistic qualities of magic books, revealing a unique world full of design and imagination. The book addresses the theme globally and discusses Egyptian and Greek papyri, ancient Chinese bamboo strips, South American cheap prints on wood pulp paper, Japanese demon encyclopedias, and various other examples. This book is indispensable for readers interested in the history of magic and science, but also for anyone with an interest in the history of books and manuscripts.

Author: Owen Davies
Co-author: None
Format: 196x252mm
Language: Dutch
Number of pages: 256
ISBN13: 9789464990683