The History of Magic : From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present-9780241979662

The History of Magic : From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present

£12.99 GBP
£12.99 GBP
The History of Magic: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to...
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The History of Magic: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present by Professor Chris Gosden is a captivating exploration of the intertwined relationship between magic and human culture throughout the ages. Recognized as a Telegraph Book of the Year, this compelling work invites readers to journey through time, unearthing the significance of magic from antiquity to the present day.

Delve into the rich tapestry of magic, where ancient horoscopes and mystical tattoos reveal a fresh perspective on a subject often shrouded in misunderstanding. Gosden argues that science, religion, and magic are the three pillars of human belief systems, with magic representing our connection to the cosmos. Despite its sometimes dubious reputation, magic has been integral to human history, manifesting in diverse forms:

  • Spells and charms from Greco-Roman and Jewish traditions
  • Shamanistic practices of indigenous cultures in Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas
  • Modern interpretations intertwined with quantum physics

This profound work is backed by decades of meticulous research, providing an authoritative history of human thought and magic's pivotal role in shaping our civilization. Gosden reveals that a remarkable 75% of Westerners still hold some form of magical belief, from wishbone-snapping to lottery ticket purchases.

With accolades from renowned figures like Simon Sebag Montefiore, who describes it as "fascinating, original, excellent," this book is not merely an account of the past. It is an invitation to rethink our relationship with the universe and the magical threads that weave through our own histories.

Product Information

ISBN: 9780241979662
Author: Chris Gosden
Format: Paperback / softback
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions: 129 x 196 x 35 mm
Publication Date: 20 May, 2021
Pagination: 512 pages
Weight: 402g

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

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