In the realm of fiction, magic is often portrayed as a vibrant and enchanting force. It is the source of wonder and awe, capable of creating extraordinary realities and bending the laws of nature. However, there exists a darker and more sinister side to magic - a gloomier hue that is rarely explored. This gloomier hue of magic is audible. It is not the melodious chimes of a spell being cast or the harmonious resonance of a magical artifact. Instead, it is a haunting and eerie sound that sends shivers down one's spine.
Instead, it is a haunting and eerie sound that sends shivers down one's spine. It is the sound of ancient incantations whispered in forgotten languages, laden with dark intentions. The audible element of this gloomier magic hints at its clandestine and nefarious nature.
The Black Arts: A Concise History of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, Alchemy, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages (Paperback)
The Classic Study of the Occult Reintroduced in a 50th Anniversary Edition
The Black Arts is a fascinating and wonderfully readable exploration of the practice, theory, and underlying rationale of magick and occultism in all its branches, including witchcraft, spells, numerology, astrology, alchemy, kabbalah, tarot, charms, and summoning and control of spirits. This edition features a 50th anniversary introduction by historian of alternative spirituality Mitch Horowitz, who frames the book for a new generation of readers.
About the Author
Richard Cavendish (1930-2016) was a highly regarded and widely published British historian of magic, myth, and the occult. Educated at Oxford, Cavendish is best remembered for The Black Arts (1967) and for editing the acclaimed 24-volume Man, Myth & Magic: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Supernatural, published from 1970 to 1972.
Praise For…
“We are all black magicians in our dreams, in our fantasies, perversions, and phobias. In The Black Arts, Richard Cavendish has not only gathered many fascinating facts from the past and from our own time; he has also presented the philosophy of the black magicians and gives many excellent interpretations of their symbols and rites. He has done all this in such a concise and readable style that the reader is hardly aware of how much effort has gone into this work and how original are many of its ideas and interpretations . Works such as Cavendish’s are a reminder that we are living in an era of amnesia. We have forgotten those vital truths that man once knew and by whose strength he lived.” —Isaac Bashevis Singer, Book Week
“In The Black Arts, Cavendish captures the human striving and universality behind the magical search. He also demonstrates virtuosity for explaining ancient and more recent rituals, rites, and esoteric philosophies with splendid clarity … It stands nearly alone as a simultaneously comprehensive and inviting guide to the world of pre-modern esoterica.”—Mitch Horowitz, from the new introduction
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Magick Studies
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Ancient Mysteries & Controversial Knowledge
It suggests that there is more at play than meets the eye, that there are hidden depths and secrets waiting to be uncovered. It is through the sound of this magic that its true power and danger are revealed. There is an otherworldly quality to this gloomier hue of magic. It is as if it has a mind of its own, a malevolent presence lurking in the shadows. The sound seeps into the very fabric of one's being, leaving an indelible mark. It is a constant reminder of the darkness that magic can wield and the consequences that come with its use. Yet, despite its ominous nature, there is a certain allure to this gloomier magic. It draws the curious and the adventurous, tempting them with promises of forbidden knowledge and unimaginable power. It is a siren's call that cannot be ignored, even at the risk of one's own soul. Overall, the gloomier hue of magic audible presents a captivating and unsettling angle to the world of magic. It serves as a reminder that not all magic is benevolent, and that there is a price to be paid for delving into the darker side of the mystical arts. It is a reminder that, like any force of nature, magic can be both beautiful and dangerous, depending on how it is wielded..
Reviews for "The Sonic Landscape of Black Magic: A Study in Audible Sorcery"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "A Gloomier Hue of Magic Audible." The storyline felt disjointed and the characters lacked depth. I struggled to connect with any of them and found myself losing interest in the overall plot. The narration was also quite monotonous and didn't do justice to the potential of the story. Overall, this audiobook fell flat and failed to live up to the hype for me.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars - I found "A Gloomier Hue of Magic Audible" to be extremely boring and dull. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never did. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me feeling disconnected from the setting and uninvested in the story. I wouldn't recommend this audiobook to anyone looking for a captivating and immersive fantasy experience.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - In my opinion, "A Gloomier Hue of Magic Audible" was a letdown. The writing style was clunky and the dialogue felt forced. The characters lacked development and I struggled to understand their motivations. The narration didn't help either, as it lacked emotion and failed to bring the story to life. I was expecting more from this audiobook, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver.