Book of Magic and the Occult: A Visual History

Magic and the occult have held humanity in their thrall for thousands of years. This sweeping history traces its origins across time and culture—from the protective amulets of ancient Egypt to ceremonial magic in India, Celtic paganism to modern magic tricks.

National Geographic Book of Magic and the Occult illuminates this enthralling world across more than 90,000 years of history. You’ll meet witches and wizards, healers and alchemists, discovering the legends behind them and how they have enriched modern culture. You’ll also encounter a host of spellbinding subjects, including:

Mystical moments, including spooky gatherings, strange happenings, and ghost stories;

Magic in pop culture, from Harry Houdini to Harry Potter;

Places of power, from Mount Fuji to “phantom” islands like Hy-Brasil;

Magical creatures like dragons and the Loch Ness Monster;

The art of divination, including the Chinese Zodiac, numerology, and tarot;

Modern magic, from neopaganism to astrology and herbalism.

Filled with more than 500 vivid illustrations and dynamic maps, this bewitching book is the true story of magical beliefs around the world.