About the book
This classic study of the French magician Eliphas Lévi and the occult revival in France is at last available again after being out of print and highly sought after for many years. Its central focus is Lévi himself (1810-1875), would-be priest, revolutionary socialist, utopian visionary, artist, poet and, above all, author of a number of seminal books on magic and occultism. It is largely thanks to Lévi, for example, that the Tarot is so widely used today as a divinatory method and a system of esoteric symbolism. The magicians of the Golden Dawn were strongly influenced by him, and Aleister Crowley even believed himself to be Lévi's reincarnation. The book is not only about Lévi, however, but also covers the era of which he was a part and the remarkable figures who preceded and followed him – the esoteric Freemasons and Illuminati of the late 18th century, and later figures such as the Rosicrucian magus Joséphin Péladan, the occultist Papus (Gérard Encausse), the Counter-Pope Eugène Vintras, and the writer J.-K. Huysmans, whose work drew strongly on occult themes. These people were avatars of a set of traditions which are now seen as an important part of the western heritage and which are gaining increasing attention in the academy. Christopher McIntosh's vivid account of this richly fascinating era in the history of occultism remains as fresh and compelling as ever.
Editions of Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438435572
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438435565
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438435589
Read an Excerpt
This classic study of the French magician Eliphas Lévi and the occult revival in France is at last available again after being out of print and highly sought after for many years. Its central focus is Lévi himself (1810-1875), would-be priest, revolutionary socialist, utopian visionary, artist, poet and, above all, author of a number of seminal books on magic and occultism. It is largely thanks to Lévi, for example, that the Tarot is so widely used today as a divinatory method and a system of esoteric symbolism. The magicians of the Golden Dawn were strongly influenced by him, and Aleister Crowley even believed himself to be Lévi's reincarnation. The book is not only about Lévi, however, but also covers the era of which he was a part and the remarkable figures who preceded and followed him – the esoteric Freemasons and Illuminati of the late 18th century, and later figures such as the Rosicrucian magus Joséphin Péladan, the occultist Papus (Gérard Encausse), the Counter-Pope Eugène Vintras, and the writer J.-K. Huysmans, whose work drew strongly on occult themes. These people were avatars of a set of traditions which are now seen as an important part of the western heritage and which are gaining increasing attention in the academy. Christopher McIntosh's vivid account of this richly fascinating era in the history of occultism remains as fresh and compelling as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival about?
This classic study of the French magician Eliphas Lévi and the occult revival in France is at last available again after being out of print and highly sought after for many years. Its central focus is Lévi himself (1810-1875), would-be priest, revolutionary socialist, utopian visionary, artist, poet and, above all, author of a number of seminal books on magic and occultism. It is largely thanks to Lévi, for example, that the Tarot is so widely used today as a divinatory method and a system of esoteric symbolism. The magicians of the Golden Dawn were strongly influenced by him, and Aleister Crowley even believed himself to be Lévi's reincarnation. The book is not only about Lévi, however, but also covers the era of which he was a part and the remarkable figures who preceded and followed him – the esoteric Freemasons and Illuminati of the late 18th century, and later figures such as the Rosicrucian magus Joséphin Péladan, the occultist Papus (Gérard Encausse), the Counter-Pope Eugène Vintras, and the writer J.-K. Huysmans, whose work drew strongly on occult themes. These people were avatars of a set of traditions which are now seen as an important part of the western heritage and which are gaining increasing attention in the academy. Christopher McIntosh's vivid account of this richly fascinating era in the history of occultism remains as fresh and compelling as ever.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival?
Health, Relationships and Personal development > Mind, body, spirit > Fortune-telling and divination > Fortune-telling by cards (cartomancy) > Tarot
Where can I read a sample of Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438435572
How long is Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival and how many pages does it have?
Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival has 240 page(s)
Is Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Western Esoteric Traditions
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival?
Christopher McIntosh
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438435572) and paperback(ISBN 9781438435565) and pdf(ISBN 9781438435589)
Where can I buy Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival from below
Where can I buy Eliphas Lévi and the French Occult Revival?