This survey of magic, past and present, provides both an introduction to the world of magic and an accessible and practical guide. It explores the ancient roots of magic in nature and worship, and explains the activities of the "scholar" magicians who sought to make gold from lead and to conjure up spirits to do their work. It also covers recent manifestations including the influence of Aleister Crowley and contemporary witches in California and elsewhere, provides information on the making of talismans and charms, and examines the properties of a wide range of aphrodisiacs. The book also looks at the various ways of seeing into the future that have been developed by magicians from ancient times to the present day.