Man, Myth and Magic: (Aberdeen Witches to Astrology, Volume 1)

by Richard Cavendish

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B000MGERM4
• Release Date: January 1970
• Publisher: BPC Publishing Ltd.
• Weight: 2.00 lbs.

Customer Reviews

I'm sure it is a great book

I'm sure it is a great book when it is complete. My copy when I received it was missing pages and had water damage not amused.

A study of human belief systems

I too will refer to the 1970 edition of the encyclopaedia set (I was lucky to be able to purchase the set recently are a relatively low price) as I have yet to see later editions. I was fortunate to have come across this set in my local library as a youth and recently purchased a set of my own after an exhaustive search. Unlike so many childhood memories who's colours fade with age and experience, the joy I have when I read from this set is as vibrant as it was in my youth, though now I can also appreciate Man, Myth and Magic from a more intellectual vantage. Man, Myth and Magic explores the realms of religion, spirituality, psychology and the occult. Articles within the 24 volume set range from the obscure (Wandering Bishops and various manifestations of witchcraft hysterias) to the very well known (articles on major world religions). The authors tend to be experts in their respective fields of research and are, by and large, objective in the treatment of their subjects. There are, however, some writers who have a vested interest what they write about - the article on Druidism contains two articles, one written by an historian which focuses on the known history of druids through contemporary writers (such as Julius Caesar) and archaeology, the other written by a "modern" druid who speaks of the modern incarnation of druidism. In most cases this is appropriate and as the credulous is contrasted with the objective skeptic I'm okay with this treatment. Unfortunately in a few cases there is no counterbalance. For example, in the section entitled "The Frontiers of Belief" is an article written about H.P. Lovecraft. The author surmises that Lovecraft's short stories and poems must have been inspired by real, other worldly creatures, a claim that Lovecraft himself would scoff at. Still, despite rare instances of overly credulous authors, Man, Myth and Magic tends towards the objective examination of man kind's belief systems, be they mystical or based on science. If you manage to find the complete set, no small feat I might add, you would do well to pick this set up.

its great for people who like "strange phenomena"

It's great set of books, with about every strange thing you could want to read about. It's interesting, and it doesn't push it's words on you. It leaves room for you to decide how you feel about it. I really love the palmistry section. I would (and do) recommend it to anyone interested in man, myth, and magic.

Comprehensive and Profusely Illustrated

I own the 1970, 24 volume, set. I haven't seen the revised editions, but I'm sure they can only make a good set better. Although this set is comprehensive in that it covers a wide range of subjects, it is not exhaustive and is not intended to be. Only key elements or highlights of each subject are presented and a bibliography is provided for those who want to research deeper. This set is probably the definitive introduction to the field of the supernatural and related subjects and it is profusely illustrated with artwork, photographs, diagrams and charts. Some of the pictures are graphic and some contain gore and nudity, so I recommend this set only for mature readers. - Brad Clark

Excelent book for information about myth, religion, & magic.

Beautifully put together. Just a totallyy awesome encyclopedia for the unknown and more!

The best reference available for the subjects...

This set of encyclopedias is entertaining as well as informative, with photos and illustrations of great points in religious and supernatural history. No critique could ever do this set of books justice. -michael anthony crawford, High School Student