“From large, multifaceted bodies of knowledge, like divination and alchemy, to more niche practices and beliefs, like sailors’ traditions and World War II folk magic, this text covers a sweeping range of subjects relating to magical rituals and witchcraft. Considering the breadth of his project, Boardman uses somewhat loose (but not inaccurate) definitions to help readers understand the topic. The work is organized chronologically, beginning with the section “Ancient Wisdom” and passing through historical periods to the present day as it charts the origins, influences, and current state of magical practices and practitioners. Readers learn about tools (amulets, Tarot cards, wands), groups (the cult of Dionysus, the Illuminati), and creatures (mermaids, oni, fae), along with some tangential subtopics (like alien and punk magic). The author incorporates a healthy dose of skepticism, for example, when covering mediumship. World cultures and religions appear throughout. Aiming to “spark some interest and critical engagement,” Boardman skims the surface of each topic, an approach that helpfully allows readers glimpses into many different topics that may be new to them. The ample illustrations feature clean lines and blocks of color and depict imagined scenes and real artifacts equally well. The page designs incorporate the accessible, informative text in a trim and tidy fashion. A huge undertaking concisely and conscientiously executed.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Going beyond the art of prestidigitation, Boardman’s newest addition to his Illustrated History series explores everything from tarot and alchemy to ancient practices and the occult. […] Designed with a modern look and divided by time period into short, well laid-out sections with crisp, effective illustrations, this is not meant to be another instruction manual for budding magicians. Instead, it is intended to be picked up by high-school students looking for information on the otherworldly.”
—Booklist Review
