The Magus. A Complete System of Occult Philosophy.
New York: Citadel Press [ Carol Publishing Group ], 1995. Reprint. Softcover. Quarto. xxiv + 176pp + 198pp, b&w frontisportrait, plates, diagrams, etc. First published in 1801 "The Magus" was one of the most influential works of the "Occult Revival" and probably the best-known magical text produced in nineteenth century Britain. This is a softcover reprint of the 1967 University Press facsimile edition which included a new Introduction by Timothy D'Arch Smith that gives the first clear explanation of how the seals and sigils can be extracted from the magic squares (deliberately or otherwise Barrett omits to do this). Barrett styled himself a teacher of "Natural Philosophy, Natural Magic, Cabala Magic, Chemistry, the Talismanic Art, Hermetic Philosophy, Astrology, Physiognomy" in London in the early 19th century. 'The Magus' was essentially an unacknowledged compilation drawn from earlier sources such as Agrippa, van Helmont, and Porta, most of which were then unavailable to any but the most determined researchers. "The Magus did offer the public a fairly complete occult manual, which taught the principles of arithmology and correspondences, planetary and Kabbalistic magic, and scrying technique. A series of potted biographies of 'great magicians' completed the work. There was stuff aplenty for the aspiring magi, as well as for the gothic novelists who were a part of the same reaction against classicism and pure reason" (Godwin, "The Theosophical Enlightenment", p 119). Just a hint of light shelfwear, light chafing to points - else a bright, tight and unmarked near Fine copy. Item #68968
ISBN: 0806504625
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