by Chris Gosden
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date: November 10, 2020
Language: English
Hardcover: 512 pages
ISBN-10: 0374200122
ISBN-13: 978-0374200121
Shortlisted for the 2021 PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize for History; Longlisted for the Non-Obvious Book Award
An Oxford professor of archaeology, Chris Gosden, delves into the intriguing history of magic, which represents one of the oldest yet often overlooked aspects of human behavior, while also exploring its resurgence in contemporary times.
Throughout human history, three fundamental belief systems have prevailed. Religion involves a connection with one or multiple deities who wield influence over our lives and destinies. Science, on the other hand, separates us from the world, casting us as mere observers and gatherers of knowledge. Lastly, there’s magic, which allows direct human engagement with the universe—where we can influence the world around us, and, conversely, the world can influence us.
In recent centuries, magic has suffered from a tarnished reputation. This can be attributed to the dubious practices of unscrupulous magicians, as well as a successful campaign by both religion and science to discredit magic as antiquated, irrational, and “primitive.”
In “Magic,” Chris Gosden restores magic to its essential place in the history of the world. He reveals magic as a timeless aspect of human behavior that holds significance for individuals and entire cultures. Gosden’s captivating journey spans ancient Greek, Roman, and Jewish magical curses and charms, explores the shamanistic customs of Eurasia, indigenous America, and Africa, and delves into the mysteries of alchemy during the Renaissance and the condemnation of magic in the colonial era. It even touches upon the enigmatic world of modern quantum physics, offering a fresh chapter in the narrative of our civilization.
Drawing upon decades of worldwide research, which includes everything from the earliest known horoscope to an exiled statue and the mystical powers of tattoos, Gosden highlights what magic can teach us today and how we might leverage it to reconsider our relationship with the world. “Magic” is an unparalleled and expansive scholarly work that offers eye-opening insights bound to captivate its readers.
About the Author
Chris Gosden holds the position of professor of European archaeology at the University of Oxford. He formerly worked as a curator and lecturer at the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, where he encountered numerous magical artifacts presented in a scientific context. Gosden is a Fellow of the British Academy and the Society of Antiquaries, showcasing his esteemed expertise in the field.
