A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult

By: DK

Narrated by: Susie Riddell

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)

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.

Decent Primer on Magical Traditions

This is a very brief but solid review of many of the world's magical traditions. It by no means provides a deep examination of any one magical belief or practice but it makes up for that in it's breadth and speed. Speaking to the audible version specifically, I was very impressed by the narrator's pronunciations of the multivarious names, places and ritual items which are encompassed in the book. Truly bravura effort.

The book is clearly an illustration rich volume and occasionally you will hear evidence of that in the audio. There are many instances where the narrator will refer to a non-existent picture or illustration but none of that is distracting in the least to the overall experience.

Aside from that I would recommend this audio book for anyone interested in dipping their toe into the history of magical traditions around the world. Just know that this is only your first stop.

Very Pleased!🙃🙂

I was feeling kinda reserved about trying audible books on my Wiccan/pagan/heathen interest but after just a few chapters of a few different things it's as good as my paper books as far as access but visual aid would be Handy especially when Herb gathering. All in All impressed.
Blessed Be

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.

This is a great book

I really loved this book. It is a great resource for understanding Magic and how it came to be fascination among human kind.

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.