Magic: A History: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present

Magic: Unveiling the Enduring Power of an Ancient Art in Human History

In Magic: A History, Oxford professor of archaeology Chris Gosden explores the unique and often misunderstood history of magic—the oldest and most neglected strand of human behavior. Gosden reveals magic's essential role in shaping civilizations, from the curses and charms of ancient Greek, Roman, and Jewish traditions to the shamanistic practices of Eurasia, indigenous America, and Africa.

Despite its tarnished reputation...