This is Eliphas Levi's (1810-1875) bestknown book. This work arguably made Levi the most influential writer on magic since the Renaissance. Originally issued in French, the English translator is A.E. Waite and it is doubtful that anyone else could have better captured the essence of Levi's work. The book is divided in two parts/ the first is theoretical, the second practical. This is a fascinating and often debated work involving a discussion that covers almost the entire realm of Ritual and High Magic.

Steeped in the Western occult tradition, Eliphas Levi (Alphonse Louis Constant) was a master of the Rosicrucian interpretation of the Qabalah, which forms the basis of magic as practiced in the West today.

The first half of this book deals with the principles and theories that underline magical work, covering the subject from the Qabalistic, Hermetic and Christian points of view; while in the second half, instructions are clearly given for the preparation of the instruments of the art and of their ceremonial employment in the rites governing necromancy, spells and divination.

The translation and notes by A.E. Waite are immaculate. Waite, a noted scholar of his day, taught the theory and practice of magic in both the Hermetic and Rosicrucian orders. Due to the high caliber of both author and editor, this book maintains its preeminent position in the literature of the magic arts.

5.5" x 8.5" (13.97 x 21.59 cm)
Unicursal, 494 pages