The history of magic
The History of Magic, published in French in 1860 and translated by Arthur Edward Waite in 1913, is the second major work of Éliphas Lévi, the former seminarian Alphonse Louis Constant who did most to revive occultism in the nineteenth century. In seven books of seven chapters, after an introduction on the nature of magic, he surveys its course from the magic of the Hindus, Zoroaster and the Hebrews through Greece, Rome and the Gospels, the Gnostics and the Alexandrian schools, the Kabbalah and alchemy of the Middle Ages, the witch trials and the Templars, to the mesmerists, mediums and magnetists of his own day. Lévi writes as a believer in a secret tradition, and Waite's footnotes correct him with some asperity. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The history of magic
The history of magic by Éliphas Lévi can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The history of magic online?
Yes. The history of magic opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The history of magic free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The history of magic is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The history of magic in the public domain?
Yes. The history of magic by Éliphas Lévi is a public-domain work, here in the translation by Arthur Edward Waite. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The history of magic?
About 11 h 52 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The history of magic?
The history of magic by Éliphas Lévi is filed under "History" in the Vinteuil library.
