Magic: An Occult Primer.
New York: E. P. Dutton, 1972. First US Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 286pp. Purple gilt-lettered cloth spine over patterned papered boards. Pictorial endpapers. B/w frontis. From the publisher: "The first practical handbook on magic for the non-specialist, .... Conway has brought together the theory and practice of magic from the ancient world to the present." Conway's book is divided into two sections: "Magical Theory" and "Magical Practice." The first part, "Magical Theory" explores the philosophy of magic, its place in the natural order, the role of visualisation in training the magician, the meaning and principles of ritual magic, etc. The second part,
"Magical Practice," begins with the use of correspondences (several tables of which are supplied), the prerequisites including time, place and equipment necessary for ritual magic, sample Kabbalistic and Egyptian rituals, chapters on astral projection, talismanic magic, prophecy, demons, magical intentions, etc. etc. There are also interesting Appendices on Magical Recipes - oils and salves, tonics and cosmetics, and Magical Scripts, as well as a short "Occult Who's Who." Edges a little dusty, otherwise a tight, clean, unmarked near-fine copy in VG dust jacket. The dust jacket has a long, closed tear to the front panel (now closed on the reverse with acid-free tissue tape), is price-clipped and has a little creasing to the front turn-over. Now protected by a removable mylar sleeve). Item #66002
ISBN: 0224005995
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