Subject
Occultism -- Early works to 1900 Books
Best books
Charles Mackay
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds
"Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds" by Charles Mackay is an early study of crowd psychology first published in 1841. This journalistic work examines humanity's susceptibility to collective manias through three volumes exploring financial bubbles, religious crusades, witch trials, alchemy, and countless other follies. Mackay debunks popular delusions with colorful anecdotes and sensational storytelling, from Dutch tulip mania to the influence of politics on beard styles. His analysis of economic bubbles remains influential, credited with helping financiers predict market crashes and understand modern speculation.
Walter Cooper Dendy
The Philosophy of Mystery
"The Philosophy of Mystery" by Walter Cooper Dendy is a philosophical treatise examining the nature and implications of the supernatural, particularly focusing on ghosts, spirits, and their representations throughout history. Written in the early 19th century, it combines elements of philosophy, psychology, and anecdotal narrative to explore belief in the supernatural and the motivations behind such beliefs. The text likely appeals to readers interested in metaphysical discussions and the intersection of literature and philosophy. The beginning of the book introduces a scene set on the Wye River, featuring two young women and a thoughtful bachelor named Astrophel, who delves into ghostly phenomena and the pursuit of wisdom regarding the supernatural. As they discuss the existence of spirits, the dialogue reflects the contrasting beliefs about ghosts and the philosophical inquiries surrounding the nature of reality and illusion. The characters express a mixture of skepticism and curiosity, setting the stage for a philosophical exploration of mystery, belief, and the narratives that surround such spectral topics.
Charles Mackay
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 3
"Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 3" by Charles Mackay is a volume first published in 1841. This final volume explores humanity's philosophical delusions, focusing on the misguided pursuits of alchemists seeking to transform base metals into gold. Mackay examines how practitioners and their noble sponsors fell prey to elaborate deceptions and self-delusion. The volume also investigates fortune-telling and magnetisers who claimed to cure diseases through imagination, revealing the persistent human susceptibility to pseudoscientific beliefs and supernatural explanations across centuries.
Karl Kiesewetter
Der Occultismus des Altertums
"Der Occultismus des Altertums" by Karl Kiesewetter is a scholarly exploration of ancient occult practices, likely written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the beliefs, rituals, and magical systems of various ancient civilizations, including the Akkadians, Babylonians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians, establishing a historical context for the development of occultism. The book likely appeals to readers interested in the intersection of history, religion, and mysticism and seeks to uncover how these ancient practices influenced contemporary understandings of the occult. The opening of "Der Occultismus des Altertums" sets the stage for a deep investigation into the occult traditions of the ancient Akkadians. It introduces the topic by stating that occultism is as old as humanity itself and outlines its persistence through different religions over time. The text references significant archaeological findings, such as the fragments of magical texts from the library of Niniveh, which demonstrate the complexity of Akkadian demonic beliefs and magics, including their understanding of the relationship between illness, divine intervention, and supernatural entities. This section highlights not only the historical significance of these practices but also their continuous evolution and relevance in the study of religious and mystical traditions.
Charles Mackay
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1
"Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1" by Charles Mackay is a study of crowd psychology first published in 1841. This journalistic exploration examines how entire societies fall prey to irrational beliefs and financial manias. Mackay investigates economic bubbles like the South Sea Company and Dutch tulip mania, alongside witch trials, alchemy, the Crusades, and countless other collective obsessions. Through colorful anecdotes and debunking analysis, he reveals how crowds abandon reason and embrace delusion, offering timeless lessons about human behavior that continue influencing financial thinkers today.
Iamblichus
Iamblichus on the mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians
"Iamblichus on the mysteries of the Egyptians, Chaldeans, and Assyrians" attributed to Iamblichus is a work of Neoplatonic philosophy primarily concerned with ritual and theurgy. Written as a response to his teacher Porphyry's criticisms, it defends polytheistic cult practices through philosophical argument. Spanning ten books, it explores topics from the soul and gods to sacrifice, Egyptian symbolism, and personal daemons. The work represents a pivotal moment in ancient thought's attempt to justify religious ritual through speculative philosophy.
Charles Mackay
Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 2
"Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 2" by Charles Mackay is a study of crowd psychology first published in 1841. This volume examines humanity's most fervent collective manias, from the religious fervor of the Crusades to the deadly witch trials that swept through Europe. Mackay chronicles how thousands fell victim to mass hysteria, how neighbors turned against each other with flimsy evidence, and how entire societies succumbed to irrational beliefs. Through vivid storytelling, he reveals the dangerous power of popular delusion across centuries.
Samuel B. (Samuel Bulfinch) Emmons
The Spirit Land
"The Spirit Land" by Samuel B. Emmons is a treatise on superstitions and their origins, written in the mid-19th century. The author aims to dissect various popular beliefs that have persisted throughout history, revealing the absurdities and dangers of such notions, especially in the context of Christianity. In this work, he addresses figures like witches, ghosts, and demons while advocating for a rational understanding of spiritual matters grounded in the teachings of the Bible. The opening of the work introduces Emmons’ intentions clearly: to demystify the erroneous beliefs that have plagued humanity through the ages. He begins by reflecting on the pervasive influence of childhood tales about giants and spirits, highlighting how these stories cultivate a fear of the supernatural that can lead to social hysteria, as exemplified by the ghost sightings in Waltham, Massachusetts. Emmons emphasizes the importance of reason and knowledge in dispelling these fears and isolating the causes of superstitions, thus setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the roots and repercussions of these misguided beliefs.
Roger Bacon
The Mirror of Alchimy
"The Mirror of Alchimy" by Roger Bacon is an alchemical manual translated in 1597. This compact treatise claims to reveal the secrets of creating the Elixir, a mysterious substance capable of perfecting base metals. Through seven brief chapters, the text guides readers through alchemical principles, mineral properties, and the precise methods for transmutation. As only the second alchemical work printed in English, it emerged during an era of intense fascination with magic and transformation, shaping popular understanding of alchemy as a science of material perfection.
Unknown
The history of the life and adventures of Mr. Duncan Campbell : $b a gentleman, who, tho' deaf and dumb, writes down any stranger's name at first sight, with their future contingencies of fortune
"The History of the Life and Adventures of Mr. Duncan Campell" by Defoe and Bond is a historical account that was likely written in the early 18th century. The narrative centers around Mr. Duncan Campbell, a deaf and mute gentleman with a remarkable ability to foresee the future and discern the past of individuals he encounters, serving as both an oracle and a curiosity in the society of his time. The book explores themes of superstition, human capability, and the nature of destiny, bridging the realms of the mundane and the extraordinary. At the start of the tale, the author introduces Duncan Campbell's ancestral background and childhood, emphasizing his father's adventurous spirit and his family's notable lineage. The narrative describes Campbell's birth and early life experiences, detailing the circumstances leading to his unique abilities and how they shape his character. The narrative sets the stage for Campbell's transformation into a figure of intrigue; it hints at the societal reactions to his talents and the moral lessons that unfold as a result of his interactions with those who seek his insights into their futures. This opening engages readers with the promise of both entertainment and exploration of deeper philosophical questions intertwined with Campbell's extraordinary life.
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