The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy

by Francis Barrett

Book Overview

First published in 1801, "The Magus: a Complete System of Occult Philosophy" is a significant handbook of the occult and ceremonial magic compiled by Francis Barrett, which facilitated the modern... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877289425
• ISBN13: 9780877289425
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Weiser Books
• Length: 434 Pages
• Weight: 2.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.5" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

This Review is Just for the New Hardcover…

I owned this years ago and wanted another copy. First thing I notice is how much smaller this copy is compared to the one I use to own. Upon opening the book, I immediately realized why. They down sized the print. To the point that it hurt my eyes to even attempt to read it. One quick flip through, I also discovered the charts are so small and blurry they are unreadable… Do not waste your time with a copy of the “new” hardcover. It is a blatant rip-off.

Essential for the Occultist in You!

I can confidently place Francis Barrett's The Magus along with the greatest of all magical/occult books in mainstream press: Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson, Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Agrippa, Black Magic by AE Waite, and Aleister Crowley's 777. For those that are hardcore occultists or even those who are merely curious, this book has alot to offer everyone.

Good for hysterical purposes, and then some ...

Let's clear up a few misconceptions, by turning to a reliable authorty, as far as most modern occultists would be concerned: Israel Regardie, in an essay from his book 'Foundations of Practical Magic,' (no doubt soon to be reprinted) described Barrett's MAGUS as 'a hotch potch of superstitious nonsense, blended with some basic magical information..the student (of serious magic) could do far worse than acquire a copy...' Besides, it contains, for your shelf, a copy of Pietro d'Abanos' to put next to your greater and lesser Keys of KIng Solomon. So, follow the mighty Mr. Regardie's lead ( and if you don't know Mr. Regardie enough either to admire him or despise him, no serious magician could consider you a serious student of modern western magic), and get a copy.

Desparetly seaking a copy

Durring my divorce it seams i lost mine along with many other possessions...most were replacable, but The Magus. This book is a must have book, and if someone would like to sell their used copy if would be forever greatful...oldworldvamp@prodigy.net

Historical worth of The Magus

Many people have written very dispariging remarks about The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer [first published in 1801]. They probley write such knowagable insights about another auther as well - the Most Honored Counsellor to King Charles the Fifth, and a Judge of the Prerogative Court...Henry Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Agrippa lived around 500 years ago, and he wrote a book that is still having an impact today - 'The Three Books of Occult Philosophy'. It is the standard by which all other magical tomes are judged, and The Magus is no exception. The fact that Barrett basterdized the 'Three Books' is well known. But keep in mind, the 'Three Books' had long since fell into obscurity (300 years old by Barretts reconing) and there were no other tomes of any worth (save perhaps Johann Weyer's 'De praestigiis daemonum'). Also keep in mind the timeframe Barrett was living in (1801): 25 years after the American Revolution, 11 years after the first French Revolution, 2 years after George Washingtons death, the Marquis de Sade was still alive then, and Napolion was comming into power. Barrett did an outstanding job, concidering. His book stated the 'modern day magic movement' and directly influenced Eliphas Levi, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, Aleister Crowley, and so-on. Its impact was enormass, regardless of the glaring inconcistances (and errors) in the text, tables, and with the glyphs. Its history alone make it a book to be respected and admired. Sincerly, Shawn W. Ooten