Science of the Magical: From the Holy Grail to Love Potions to Superpowers

by Matt Kaplan

Book Overview

From the author of The Science of Monsters, this engaging scientific inquiry provides a definitive look into the elements of mystical places and magical objects--from the philosopher's stone, to love potions to the oracles--from ancient history, mythology, and contemporary culture. Can migrations of birds foretell our future? Do phases of the moon hold sway over our lives? Are there sacred springs that cure the ill? What is the best way to brew a...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1476777101
• ISBN13: 9781476777108
• Release Date: October 2015
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Magically Scientific

I really enjoyed this book! The different magical hypothesis given ranged far and wide, from Biblical to regular fictional concepts, with enough personal stories about the author to personally relate the science to real life. It's a bonus that most of the myths were ranked as *plausible* and if not, many alternatives were given. A good resources for writing fiction too~ I recommend it!

Well-written, humorous and interesting. I would have immensely enjoyed the book...however, the amount of bias and propaganda scattered throughout completely ruined it for me.