The Magus: A Complete System of Occult Philosophy

By Francis Barrett

Book Overview

The Magus , first published in 1801, is a concise compendium on the Western magical tradition, and one of the primary sources for the study of ceremonial magic. The book contains a fascinating array of information drawn together by author Francis Barrett from several sources, such as Cornelius Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy . Areas explored include Natural Magic, Alchemy, Talismanic Magic, Cabalistic and Ceremonial Magic, as well as biographies of important figures such as Albertus Magnus, Roger Bacon and John Dee. Notable are the author's illustrations, derived from ancient and magical texts. This book remains much sought after by modern readers for the important source material it provides, and it continues to be drawn on heavily for information on many areas of occult philosophy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877289425
• ISBN13: 9780877289425
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Weiser Books
• Length: 434 Pages
• Weight: 2.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.5" x 10.9"

Customer Reviews

Essential for the Occultist in You!

I can confidently place Francis Barrett's The Magus along with the greatest of all magical/occult books in mainstream press: Dictionary of Angels by Gustav Davidson, Three Books of Occult Philosophy by Agrippa, Black Magic by AE Waite, and Aleister Crowley's 777. For those that are hardcore occultists or even those who are merely curious, this book has alot to offer everyone.

Good for hysterical purposes, and then some ...

Let's clear up a few misconceptions, by turning to a reliable authorty, as far as most modern occultists would be concerned: Israel Regardie, in an essay from his book 'Foundations of Practical Magic,' (no doubt soon to be reprinted) described Barrett's MAGUS as 'a hotch potch of superstitious nonsense, blended with some basic magical information..the student (of serious magic) could do far worse than acquire a copy...' Besides, it contains, for your shelf, a copy of Pietro d'Abanos' to put next to your greater and lesser Keys of KIng Solomon. So, follow the mighty Mr. Regardie's lead ( and if you don't know Mr. Regardie enough either to admire him or despise him, no serious magician could consider you a serious student of modern western magic), and get a copy.

Desparetly seaking a copy

Durring my divorce it seams i lost mine along with many other possessions...most were replacable, but The Magus. This book is a must have book, and if someone would like to sell their used copy if would be forever greatful...oldworldvamp@prodigy.net

Historical worth of The Magus

Many people have written very dispariging remarks about The Magus, or Celestial Intelligencer [first published in 1801]. They probley write such knowagable insights about another auther as well - the Most Honored Counsellor to King Charles the Fifth, and a Judge of the Prerogative Court...Henry Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim. Agrippa lived around 500 years ago, and he wrote a book that is still having an impact today - 'The Three Books of Occult Philosophy'. It is the standard by which all other magical tomes are judged, and The Magus is no exception. The fact that Barrett basterdized the 'Three Books' is well known. But keep in mind, the 'Three Books' had long since fell into obscurity (300 years old by Barretts reconing) and there were no other tomes of any worth (save perhaps Johann Weyer's 'De praestigiis daemonum'). Also keep in mind the timeframe Barrett was living in (1801): 25 years after the American Revolution, 11 years after the first French Revolution, 2 years after George Washingtons death, the Marquis de Sade was still alive then, and Napolion was comming into power. Barrett did an outstanding job, concidering. His book stated the 'modern day magic movement' and directly influenced Eliphas Levi, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, Aleister Crowley, and so-on. Its impact was enormass, regardless of the glaring inconcistances (and errors) in the text, tables, and with the glyphs. Its history alone make it a book to be respected and admired. Sincerly, Shawn W. Ooten