{"product_id":"the-history-of-magic-precise-exposition-of-rites-and-mysteries","title":"The History of Magic - Precise Exposition of Rites and Mysteries","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of The History of Magic, the reviewer finds a measured, scholarly volume for readers curious about Western occult traditions. Written by Eliphas Levi and first published in 1913, this edition is recommended for those who want a historical and philosophical account rather than a modern how-to manual. The single biggest reason to buy is the book's depth of historical context: Levi outlines ceremonial procedures, rites and symbolic systems in a way that illuminates the development of magic through many cultures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical survey:\u003c\/strong\u003e Levi traces magic from the Magi through Greco-Roman practices so readers can see continuity and change across eras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRitual exposition:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book offers a clear description of procedures and rites that helps contextualize ceremonial practice without providing step-by-step instructions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKabalah and symbolism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Detailed sections on the Kabalah and primitive symbolism give a grounded introduction to esoteric motifs used by later occultists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComparative chapters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chapters on Christianity, Pagan Magic and Freemasonry show how magical ideas intersect with religion and secret societies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary-source voice:\u003c\/strong\u003e Levi's perspective as a 19th-century ceremonial magician provides direct access to the mindset and language of classic occult scholarship.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis volume is well suited to students of religion, history, and mysticism who want a primary-era account of ceremonial magic and its philosophical underpinnings. Scholars and curious readers who appreciate older translations and a classic tone will value Levi's methodical approach to rites, symbols and the Kabalah.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not ideal for readers seeking modern practical instruction or a beginner's workbook with exercises; those wanting a contemporary, practice-oriented manual should look elsewhere. Also, readers expecting secular academic neutrality should be prepared for Levi's esoteric voice and 19th-century interpretive framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive historical scope that connects magic across cultures and eras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear exposition of ceremonial procedure and rites that clarifies occult terminology.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocused chapters on the Kabalah and symbolism that serve as a useful primer for further study.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe older style and period voice can feel dense for modern readers accustomed to contemporary academic prose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe History of Magic - Including a Clear and Precise Exposition of its Procedure, Its Rites and Its Mysteries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEliphas Levi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirst published\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1913\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubject focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHistory of magic, rites, Kabalah, symbolism, mysticism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNotable chapters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMagic of the Magi; Magic in Ancient Greece; The Kabalah; Magic and Christianity; Magic and Freemasonry\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended reader\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStudents of occult history and mysticism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe History of Magic by Eliphas Levi is a valuable historical and philosophical resource for readers interested in ceremonial magic, symbolism and the Kabalah; its classic voice gives authentic period insight and good value to those seeking depth rather than practical instruction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this book a practical guide to performing rituals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis edition explains procedures and rites in historical context but is not a modern step-by-step ritual manual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the book cover the Kabalah?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, there is a substantive section on the Kabalah and primitive symbolism that introduces core esoteric concepts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho wrote this and when was it first published?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book is by Eliphas Levi and the volume was first published in 1913.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eliphas Levi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48183379591387,"sku":"1473338468","price":33.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81wHzC_fD8L._SL1360.jpg?v=1769449689","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/the-history-of-magic-precise-exposition-of-rites-and-mysteries","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}