A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult

By: DK

Narrated by: Susie Riddell

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Discover the beguiling history of witchcraft, magic, and superstition through the centuries and across the world in this stunning audiobook.

A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most interesting and often controversial subjects in the world - from ancient animal worship and shamanism, through alchemy and divination to modern Wicca and the resurgence of the occult in 21st-century literature, cinema, and television.

Providing listeners with a comprehensive, balanced, and unbiased account of everything from Japanese folklore and Indian witchcraft to the differences between black and white magic, and dispelling myths such as those surrounding the voodoo doll and Ouija, this audiobook explores the common human fear of and fascination with spells, superstition, and the supernatural.

The perfect introduction to magic and the occult, it explores forms of divination from astrology and palmistry to the tarot and runestones, mystical plants and potions such as mandrake, the presence of witchcraft in literature from Shakespeare's Macbeth to the Harry Potter series, and the ways in which magic has interacted with religion.

The most comprehensive history of witchcraft available, A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult will enthrall and fascinate you with its lavish, accessible entries, whether you are a believer or skeptic.

©2020 Dorling Kindersley Ltd (P)2020 DK Audio

Critic reviews

“This book provides a fascinating overview of the history of magic, with some emphasis on witchcraft and the occult, presented in an easily browsed, highly visual format.” (Booklist)

Awesome Insight!

If you are a lover of history, you will appreciate the impact. The 'Reader's Digest' shortness, but to the point, presents so other breadcrumbs for us to follow, if we so choose. Enjoy! I did!! And I will probably be listening several times. :)

Excellent book.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish, every details of the history was well researched and written it blew my mind.... and the narrator is exceptional 👌🏽 👏 I wasn't tired or bored I finished in less than 23 hours 😅 bravo Audible for recommending this book.

Loved it

I love this book. Very informative. Had to order to highlight and study. Shared with friends

Don’t listen while driving.

I found the book informative, however like the Handbook for the Recently Deceased a bit like stereo instructions. This was not helped by the narrators almost rushed reading. It will knock you out or make you drift off.

Like a topical index, extensive, with repetitions

Here and there the catalog touches on topics I was familiar with; seems accurate, but about as quotable as Wikipedia if you need to write a research paper, but lacking reference to source material. What Zeus, Yahweh, Odin, etc can do is magic in the same breath that a rabbit's foot is magic. About the only magic excluded in this compendium is the belief in democracy.

I enjoyed

This was terrific historical and more recent history. It gave a lot of insight into the past and present of magic

So much information!

Very well written and read! I learned so much about different practices and crafts! 10/10 recommend!

wonderful and thorough introduction to Magic

This is a terrific source for someone seeking information about the many branches of what is called, magic and witchcraft. From here you might find more details and specifics but this covers a great deal of the history and varied branches of the subject.
Susie Riddell gives a pleasant but weighty performance that was a delight to listen to

must read for beginner practioners

For those getting into the ocult this book is a beginners must. Its world witch craft and everything magical.

10 miles wide and 1 inch deep

The book covers a lot of ground but it doesn’t really scratch the surface on any subject. Consequently the book repeats as people of subjects crop up in different sections.