Whether you are a fan of Dan Brown or some other author who touches on the occult in their work, below is a list of the top five books I personally recommend to begin learning about occult history. These books, however, are just the start, and reading them will hopefully only work to increase your interest in the mysteries that surround us.
1. Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa by Anthony Grafton
This is my latest addition to my personal library. I am currently reading this book and it has not failed to please.
Within its pages, you will find out that in early modern Europe, the magus, or learned magician, like Johannes Faustus, was deeply integrated into the intellectual and social currents of the Renaissance, contrasting the darker, more solitary figure of literary legend. These magicians, including notable figures such as Marsilio Ficino, Pico della Mirandola, and Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, engaged with kings and princes, contributing significantly to discussions on magic and its place in society. They developed a complex art that combined elements of engineering, astrology, and classical scholarship, pushing the boundaries of traditional magic and influencing both contemporary and future intellectual landscapes.
2. The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic: An Illustrated History by Christopher Dell
This is another recent addition to my occult collection. Many of my occult books mention the artworks presented in this book, making it a perfect visual reference for greater understanding of the occult sciences. The book delves into ancient symbology, mythology, and witchcraft.
3. The Occult: A History by Colin Wilson
As you can see in the photo, my copy of The Occult is from 1971 and was originally purchased by my mother. I have always enjoyed Colin WIlson’s books because they are easy to read and provide seekers with the basic information they need to pursue their chosen topics more fully.
4. The Black Arts: A Concise History of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, Alchemy, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages by Richard Cavendish
Yet another book I received from my mother. My copy is from 1967, and it has seen some shit. I first read this book when I was 14 years old, which would have been (oh my) 1988, and it has stayed with me ever since.
The book is exactly what its title says it is, and I highly recommend looking into Cavendish’s other books.
5. The History of Magic and the Occult by Kurt Seligmann
Many people describe this book as dry and academic (it is), but it is still a great book for beginners. It also has been an invaluable starting point for some of my personal research projects over the years. I have the 1975 edition, and I don’t think it has been reprinted since then, but there are used copies available online.
Bonus Book Recommendation
This was going to be a 6 best books article, but I loaned out the next book and, a year later, I still haven’t gotten it back. You’d think I’d learn my lesson by now.
BONUS: The Secret Teachings of All Ages: An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy by Manly P. Hall
This is a life-changing book that forces the reader to reconsider everything they think they know about the world around them. I personally recommend reading a few beginner occult books before reading this so that you have a better understanding the secrets within, but if you only have the time and money for one occult book, this is the one to get.
