Bücher der Reihe Cambridge Library Collection - Spiritualism and Esoteric Knowledge

First published in 1860, Eliphas Levi's history of magic follows in the wake of his enormously successful Dogme et Ritual de la Haute Magie, which first appeared in 1854. In this book, the French occultist and alleged magician offers a thoroughly comprehensive survey of the idea of 'magic' in Western history, from its origins in Indian, Greek, cabalistic and hermetic traditions to the latest developments in nineteenth-century occult philosophy, as well as his own private recollections of his experience with magic. Levi is adamant in his treatment of magic as a serious science and one compatible with Christianity, encouraging his readers to see magic as the reconciliation point between faith and reason, science and belief, authority and liberty. Extending to almost six hundred pages and with numerous illustrations, this book should appeal to those interested in the nineteenth-century obsession with mysticism and the occult.

The nineteenth-century medium D. D. Home here describes the extraordinary psychic events in his life, from his first vision at the age of thirteen to the seances he held for the rich and famous. The first of two autobiographical works, this 1863 publication describes the mysterious phenomena he experienced.

Published in 1849, this two-volume set examines how popular mythology kept alive beliefs about the occult, alchemy and the paranormal. Examining witchcraft, astrology, mesmerism, alchemy and much more, Henry Christmas shows how some of these beliefs were so entrenched that they were held almost as facts, even influencing rational thought.

Written by the French Benedictine Antoine Augustin Calmet (1672-1757), and first published in 1746, this two-volume work examines a wide selection of supernatural tales and beliefs from across Europe, seeking to understand the truth behind such tales. The work was translated into English in 1850 by Henry Christmas (1811-68).

A Scottish physician, Anthony Todd Thomson (1778-1849), translated and edited this two-volume 1846 study of miracles in ancient times by French intellectual Anne-Joseph-Eusebe Baconniere de Salverte (1771-1839), originally published in 1829. Volume 1 looks at human credulity, and offers explanations for supernatural phenomena.

English historian and antiquary Thomas Wright (1810-70) published prolifically on subjects ranging from Old English texts to Anglo-Saxon cemeteries. This two-volume 1851 publication is testimony to his interest in folklore, sorcery and legend. Volume 1 gives instances of alleged witchcraft from sixteenth-century Europe.

This two-volume work from 1879 is a comprehensive study of demon mythology by freethinker and writer Moncure Daniel Conway (1832-1907). In Volume 1, Conway classifies types of demon, and argues that the various types are personifications of the main obstacles to 'primitive man,' such as hunger and disease.

First published in 1877, this two-volume spiritualist text describes the philosophical and occultist aims of the Theosophical Society, which Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-91) had recently helped to found. Drawing on her extensive travels, she claims to address the shortcomings of both scientific and theological inquiry.

Albert Louis Caillet (1869-1922) devoted himself to the study of psychic sciences after a career in civil engineering. In this essential reference work on the literature of the occult, published in three volumes in 1912, he covers subjects ranging from alchemy to secret societies.

This two-volume history was published in 1926 by the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), who, like many of his contemporaries, was fascinated by spiritualism and the possibility of communication with the dead. Volume 1 focuses on the origins of the movement in the mid-nineteenth century.

Spiritualism, first published in 1853, caused an instant controversy as it detailed the conversion of New York judge John W. Edmonds and physician George T. Dexter to spiritualist practices, with Dexter even becoming a medium. Volume 1 includes letters from two spirits - 'Sweedenborg' and 'Bacon' - who communicated through Dexter.

Written by William Howitt and published in 1863, this two-volume history traces common characteristics in engagement with the supernatural. Volume 1 begins with an apology for faith in the nineteenth century and continues with spiritualist histories of Europe, the Bible and apocrypha, the ancient world, the East, and Scandinavia.

Joseph Ennemoser (1787-1854) was an Tyrolean doctor, who was a forerunner of Freud in his belief in the connection between the mind and physical health: his interest in psychology led to investigations into the paranormal. This English translation of his 1844 work was published in 1854.

This 1886 book was a pioneering attempt to explain ghost-seeing through the idea of telepathy, by analysis of over 700 case studies. Volume 2 presents data for auditory, visual, reciprocal, and collective hallucinations. It is a key source for the history of Victorian psychical research.

Madame Helena Blavatsky (1831-1891) was a co-founder of the theosophy movement in the United States, which was later extended to Europe and India. In The Secret Doctrine, published in 1888, Blavatsky aims to explain the spiritual origins of the world.

Eneas Sweetland (E. S.) Dallas (1828-1879) was a journalist whose love of poetry led to his writing the two-volume The Gay Science, published in 1866. The title comes from an expression used by Provencal troubadours to describe composing poetry. Volume 1 looks at the historical context of artistic criticism.

Written by her close friend and partner Edward Maitland, this two-volume biography details the life of physician, spiritualist, and activist Anna Kingsford. First published in 1896, this first volume details Kingsford's early life, her first meeting with Maitland in Paris, and the beginnings of their joint supernatural experiences.

Modern Spiritualism (1902) was the first comprehensive history of Spiritualism. It traces the movement's historical development from its origins in animal magnetism to its decline in the late 1870s. Volume 1 covers the key figures of Paracelsus, Mesmer, Bertrand, and Esdaile. It is an indispensable source on nineteenth-century Spiritualism.

Frederic William Henry Myers (1843-1901) was a classical scholar who later turned to the investigation of spiritualism. This study, published in 1903, presents Myers' theory of the 'subliminal self' and remains a fascinating example of nineteenth-century attempts to understand psychic phenomena. Volume 1 discusses dreams and sensory automation.

Crowe's collection of ghostly and psychic tales was a nineteenth-century best-seller. Volume 1 includes stories on presentiments, traces, wraiths, doppelgangers, apparitions and the after-life. It is a wonderful example of early Victorian spiritualist writing and marks the apogee of the nineteenth century's fascination with the supernatural.

First published in France in 1854, this highly popular two-volume treatise on ritual magic initiates the reader into the secrets of Western occult philosophy. This first volume, 'The Doctrine of Transcendental Magic', chronicles the philosophy of western magic and the esoteric.

Providing a thorough examination of Agrippa's life and works, Prost's biography follows its subject through his travels and teaching across Western Europe in the early sixteenth century. In addition to its discussion of Agrippa, Volume 1 provides an important history and discussion of the occult arts and sciences.

Confidence tricks and widespread delusions have gone in cycles throughout history, and the financial bubbles and illusions of haunted houses and popular manias are as relevant now as they were when Mackay published this book in 1852. A witty commentary with insights into human nature and the madness of crowds.

Edited by the writer and lecturer on spiritualism Emma Hardinge Britten (1823-99), this work purports to recount the spiritual experiences of the enigmatic 'Chevalier Louis de B.', allegedly a nobleman who was initiated into ancient occult mysteries. Britten translated and prepared the manuscript for publication in 1876.

Eliphas Levi (1810-75) was instrumental in the revival of Western occultism in the nineteenth century. This posthumous publication (1896), translated from an unpublished manuscript, outlines the meanings of the twenty-two tarot trumps and includes editorial notes on their iconography. It concludes with Kabbalistic prayers and occult and religious maxims.

Scottish philosopher and theologian James McCosh (1811-94) aimed in this work, which was published in 1862, to 'disentangle the confusion' about the relationship between the natural and supernatural. The book examines the question from both sides, discussing the laws of nature alongside apparently inexplicable phenomena such as miracles.

Printmaker James Caulfield (1764-1826) spent much of his career publishing books about 'remarkable persons'. This collection, done in collaboration with Henry Wilson (fl. 1820-3), was reprinted in 1869. It includes vignettes describing a wide-ranging and eccentric cast of characters and is accompanied by engravings of each person.

A tour of hoaxes, tricks and outrageous gimmicks, this book is the product of the American showman P. T. Barnum (1810-91), now famous for observing that 'every crowd has a silver lining'. First published in 1866, it provides an entertaining glimpse into the bizarre world of Victorian 'humbug'.

Intended as a companion volume to his bestselling Culpeper's English Physician, Ebenezer Sibly's 1795 work presents the body as a microcosm of all nature, its corruptions a result of imbalanced proportions of the four elements. Sibly draws upon Enlightenment science to try to prove an older, hermetically derived philosophy.

Martin Naylor (c. 1762-1843), a Fellow of Queens' College, Cambridge, was selected to give four annual sermons against witchcraft, following a tradition established in 1593 after the trial and execution of alleged witches in Warboys (Cambridgeshire). These sermons, and an account of the original events, were published in 1795.