Art of the Grimoire: An Illustrated History of Magic Books and

A copiously illustrated global history of magic books, from ancient papyri to pulp paperbacks. Grimoires, textbooks of magic and occult knowledge, have existed through the ages alongside other magic and religious texts in part because of the need to create a physical record of magical phenomena, but also to enact magic through spells and rituals. To understand the history of these texts is to understand the influence of the major religions, the development of early science, the cultural influence of print, the growth of literacy, the social impact of colonialism, and the expansion of esoteric cultures across the oceans. In more than two hundred color illustrations from ancient times to the present, renowned scholar Owen Davies examines little-studied artistic qualities of grimoires, revealing a unique world of design and imagination. The book takes a global approach, considering Egyptian and Greek
A copiously illustrated global history of magic books, from ancient papyri to pulp paperbacks.

Grimoires, textbooks of magic and occult knowledge, have existed through the ages alongside other magic and religious texts in part because of the need to create a physical record of magical phenomena, but also to enact magic through spells and rituals. To understand the history of these texts is to understand the influence of the major religions, the development of early science, the cultural influence of print, the growth of literacy, the social impact of colonialism, and the expansion of esoteric cultures across the oceans.

In more than two hundred color illustrations from ancient times to the present, renowned scholar Owen Davies examines little-studied artistic qualities of grimoires, revealing a unique world of design and imagination. The book takes a global approach, considering Egyptian and Greek papyri, ancient Chinese bamboo scripts, South American pulp prints, and Japanese demon encyclopedias, among other examples.

This book will enchant readers interested in the history of magic and science, as well as in book and manuscript history.

- Owen Davies
- 256 pages
- 7.5 inches W x 9.8 inches L
- Hardcover
- Yale University Press
- 2023
- Art History
- Item #: 978-0300272017

Art of the Grimoire: An Illustrated History of Magic Books and Spells by Owen Davies, 9780300272017

THE BOOK OF SPELLS: A Treasury of Spells, Rituals, and Blessings

Our picks for the autumn: new art books out soon

Books of Magic, Spells, Charms, and Incantations - Yale University Press

Art of the Grimoire: An Illustrated History of Magic Books and Spells - Getty Museum Store

Grimoire book of 1768: L'Albert Moderne

Owen Davies on X: Art of the Grimoire looking all festive in the window display @watkinsbooks! Thanks to them, and to Ciara Meehan for the photo. / X

Art of the Grimoire : An Illustrated History of Magic Books and Spells

Art of the Grimoire: 7 Spell Books Through History - Yale University Press London BlogYale University Press London Blog

Book review: “Magus,” by Anthony Grafton - The Washington Post

Art of the Grimoire: An Illustrated History of Magic Books and Spells, by Owen Davies