The Mysteries and Secrets of Magic
The Mysteries and Secrets of Magic
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Book Notes: Cover contains moderate wear and some stains. Pages are clean and binding is tight.
Author(s): C.J.S. Thompson
Publication year: 1973
Binding: Hardcover
Language: English
Publisher: Causeway Books
ISBN:This comprehensive historical survey explores the origins, global evolution, and fundamental principles underpinning occult beliefs and supernatural practices from prehistory to early modern times. Written by a prominent physician, toxicologist, and medical museum curator, the text acts as an objective, comparative archive of esoteric traditions across diverse early civilizations, including ancient Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, and Rome. Rather than sensationalizing the subject matter, the narrative systematically deconstructs a vast repository of secret rites, invocations, magical diagrams, and mystical formulas extracted directly from historical grimoires and classical manuscripts. The chapters explore various facets of the esoteric arts, tracking the execution of divination, herbalism, planetary alchemy, demonic lore, and ceremonial sorcery. Paired with historical woodcuts, engraving reproductions, and early folk illustrations, this work serves as an indispensable academic reference tool built to map out the psychological roots and enduring cultural structures connecting humanity's pursuit of the unseen world.
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Book Condition Scale
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Like New
This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.
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Very Good
This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.
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Good
This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.
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Acceptable
This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.
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As Described
This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.
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Dust Jacket Grading
(A) Excellent
The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.(B) Good
Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.(C) Fair
Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.(D) Poor
Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.(F) As Is
Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.
