By W.B. Crow
(2nd Hand, Occult, Rare, Witchcraft, Esoteric, Kabalah, Freemasonry)
Published by Abacus, 1972
Condition - Good
Paperback, 320 pages
Genre - Nonfiction, History, Occult, Rare, Witchcraft, Esoteric, Kabalah, Freemasonry
★★★★☆
A History of Magic, Witchcraft and Occultism
Dr. Crow provides a fascinating summary of magic, witchcraft and occultism in all countries and in all periods. Its thirty-three chapters span the centuries from the primitive beliefs of stone age man to cults of modern origin such as Subud.
The occult practices of early civilizations including Egypt, Babylon, Central America, Persia, India, China and Tibet each merit a chapter. Dr.Crow also casts his net over the sagas of the Norsemen, the rituals of the Druids, the legends of Islam, the pantheon of Mount Olympus, the secrets of the Kabalah and the quest for the Holy Grail.
The later chapters turn to the development of European witchcults, demonic possession, witch trials, the Sabbath, werewolves, vampires and the Black Mass. In the final chapters the author records the rise of magical fraternities, from the early Freemasons to the Order of the Golden Dawn, and concludes with studies of mesmerism, palmistry and theosophy.
Well documented and lucidly written, A HISTORY OF MAGIC, WITCHCRAFT AND OCCULTISM is an ideal introduction to this complex but compelling subject.
Dr. William Bernard Crow held the degrees of Associate of Arts (University of Oxford), Master of Science (University of Wales), Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science (University of London). This last degree was a rare academic distinction awarded in 1928 for a thesis entitled “Contributions to the Principles of Morphology” At that time, the higher doctorate of Doctor of Science from a British university was so prized that a university professor who had been awarded the degree would be called Doctor rather than Professor. Dr Crow was aged 33 in 1928 and so would have been one of the youngest persons ever to be awarded this degree.
At the University of London, the Doctor of Science degree by examination was withdrawn on 30 September 2001 and is no longer awarded.
Dr Crow was Grand Master of the Apostolate of the Holy Wisdom (which includes the Ancient Catholic Orthodox Church). This has since 2015 been united with the Abbey-Principality of San Luigi, which continues its work.