The Occult Colin Wilson is a book written by Colin Wilson, first published in 1971. Wilson, a British author and philosopher, explores the realm of the occult, which he defines as "the study of secret or hidden wisdom." In this book, Wilson delves into various aspects of the occult, including topics such as magic, witchcraft, and paranormal phenomena. The main idea is **to provide a comprehensive overview of the occult from a philosophical and historical perspective**. Wilson begins by examining the origins of the occult and its ancient roots. He discusses ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, highlighting their beliefs in magic and the supernatural.
The late Colin Wilson wrote a staggering 180 introductions, forewords, prefaces and afterwords to other authors’ books. Soon after his now classic study The Occult appeared in 1971, he was constantly sought out by writers and publishers to endorse their work. He rarely refused. And, as this volume reveals, these were not hurriedly written paragraphs, relying largely on his name as an endorsement, but often significant and substantial essays.
This new book, Introducing the Occult, which is subtitled Selected Introductions, Prefaces, Forewords and Afterwords , shows just how much he was respected because he was regularly sought out to give his opinion on other works also concerned with the paranormal and indeed magic, because the two are inseparable. Within these covers you can read Colin Wilson on magic, witchcraft, exorcism, ghosts, poltergeists, the Loch Ness Monster, the afterlife, dowsing and much more.
He discusses ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, highlighting their beliefs in magic and the supernatural. He also explores esoteric traditions such as Gnosticism and Hermeticism, tracing their influence on Western occultism. The book then moves on to discuss the practices and beliefs of various occult groups and individuals throughout history.
Introducing the Occult
A selection of Colin Wilson's occult introductions now available, for the first time, in a single volume.
Wilson covers topics such as alchemy, astrology, and divination, examining how these practices have evolved over time and their connection to the search for hidden knowledge. One of the key aspects of The Occult Colin Wilson is Wilson's emphasis on the psychological and philosophical implications of the occult. He suggests that the human mind has untapped potential and that the study of the occult can help us unlock new levels of consciousness and self-awareness. He also explores the existential questions raised by the occult, such as the nature of reality and the purpose of human existence. Throughout the book, Wilson draws on a wide range of sources, including historical texts, mythology, and personal anecdotes. He blends scholarly research with personal reflection, offering a unique perspective on the occult that is both informative and thought-provoking. Overall, The Occult Colin Wilson is a dense and comprehensive exploration of the occult. It seeks to shed light on a realm often dismissed or misunderstood, offering readers a deeper understanding of the hidden wisdom that lies beyond the boundaries of conventional knowledge..
Reviews for "Uncovering the Secret: Colin Wilson's Fascination with Occult Practices"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I found "The Occult Colin Wilson" to be quite disappointing. The author claims to have extensive knowledge and research on the subject of the occult, but I found his arguments to be superficial and lacking depth. The book felt disjointed, jumping from one topic to another without proper explanations or coherent structure. Wilson seemed more interested in name-dropping famous occult figures rather than providing substantial insights. Overall, I expected a more comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the occult, but sadly, this book fell short.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - "The Occult Colin Wilson" is a complete waste of time. The author's style of writing is incredibly dry and reads like a tedious academic paper. Wilson makes grandiose claims about unraveling the mysteries of the occult, but fails to deliver any substantial evidence or compelling arguments. This book is filled with unsupported speculations and poorly researched information. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a genuine understanding of the occult, as it feels more like a shallow overview with no depth or critical analysis.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was highly disappointed by "The Occult Colin Wilson." The author's writing style is overly verbose and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged with the material. Wilson's arguments lacked coherence and seemed to be driven more by his personal opinions rather than well-rounded research. The book also fails to provide any new insights or fresh perspectives on the occult, merely rehashing well-known theories and ideas. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read that added nothing valuable to my understanding of the subject.