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Art of the Grimoire

An Illustrated History of Magic Books and Spells
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( 73 ratings, 10 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Art of the Grimoire by Owen Davies delves into the historical and cultural significance of grimoires β€” books of magic. It explores their evolution over centuries, examining their impact on societal beliefs and their influence on the arts. Offering insight into these enigmatic texts, the book reveals how they have shaped perceptions of magic and spirituality.
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Format: Hardback
$5999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're fascinated by the mystical realms of history and how magical texts have influenced culture, this book offers a captivating exploration. You may appreciate it if you have an interest in the development of magical practices and their impact on society throughout the ages.

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Art of the Grimoire

A copiously illustrated global history of magic books, from ancient papyri to pulp paperbacks

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Art of the Grimoire is a copiously illustrated global history of magic books, spanning from ancient papyri to pulp paperbacks. Grimoires, as textbooks of magic and occult knowledge, have existed through the ages alongside other magic and religious texts. They were created not only to record magical phenomena but also to enact magic through spells and rituals.

Understanding the history of these texts offers insights into the influence of major religions, the development of early science, the cultural impact of print, the growth of literacy, the social impact of colonialism, and the expansion of esoteric cultures across the oceans.

Featuring more than two hundred colour illustrations from ancient times to the present, renowned scholar Owen Davies delves into the little-studied artistic qualities of grimoires, unveiling a unique world of design and imagination. The book adopts a global perspective, considering examples such as Egyptian and Greek papyri, ancient Chinese bamboo scripts, South American pulp prints, and Japanese demon encyclopedias.

This book will enchant readers interested in the history of magic and science, as well as those fascinated by book and manuscript history.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Art of the Grimoire by Owen Davies is praised for its extensive and richly illustrated exploration of magical texts. Reviewers commend it as a visually stunning production that is both scholarly and enchanting. The book is celebrated for its global perspective, covering the entire history of magic with a detailed focus on magical texts and images, making it a captivating study of an often overlooked artistic tradition.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300272017

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 10 October 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 200 color + b-w illus.

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 191.0mm

Height: 248.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Owen Davies is professor of social history at the University of Hertfordshire and president of the Folklore Society. He is the author of numerous books on the history of witchcraft, magic, ghosts, and popular medicine.

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