It is probable that the professional magician was originally one who, in the course of the evolution of society by birth, study and practice, acquired a powerful influence over his fellows.
-C.J.S. Thompson, Chapter 1: The Genesis of Magic

In this tremendously informative and entertaining sourcebook, first published in 1927, an historian of the occult introduces us to the magic traditions of the ancients, including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Celts, Arabs, Hindu, and Chinese, and then explores the many practices and powers attributed to the magician. Packed with tidbits on demonology and divination, crystal gazing, pentacles and perfumes, magical numbers, grimoires and magical manuscripts, and much more, this is a treat for fans of fantasy and students of the mysterious alike.

British writer CHARLES JOHN SAMUEL THOMPSON (1862-1943) was the curator of the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and author of a number of histories of the strange and the supernatural, including The Lure and Romance of Alchemy, The Mystery and Lore of Monsters, Poisons and Poisoners, The Quacks of Old London, and The Hand of Destiny.