The Magus has proved to be the most sought after set of books on magic and alchemy ever published. There is very good reason for this. These books are powerful, and were considered so dangerous that for many years, rare copies could only be found in certain libraries, locked away from the general public and from those who would use (or misuse) its power.
The original set of books was first published in 1801 by its author, Francis Barrett, who had an extensive background in the medieval and occult sciences. He spent many years of diligent study before releasing them. His premise for the material, that is, before putting anything into these books, Barrett first subjected the various theories to certain tests that had to be "substantiated by nature, truth, and experiment" first. They were written for those seeking the key to the philosopher's stone and the powers of magic.
The illustrations in this book were taken from ancient and medieval texts, magical tables, planetary tables, talismans and images of angels and demons. Book One covers natural magic, amulets and charms, potions, precious stones, lights, candles, alchemy, the philosopher's stone, transmutation, the four elements, numbers, and planets. Book Two covers magnetic powers, Cabalistic magic, the names of angels and spirits, the performing of invocations, conjuring spirits, magic circles, receiving oracles in dreams, positive and evil spirits, and concludes with a major biographical section on the great magicians of history.
When first published in 1801, The Magus presented a complete study in the practice of ritual magic. It was compiled by Barrett from many different occult sources, such as Agrippa's work, the Heptameron, and various manuscripts of The Key of Solomon, in response to renewed public interest in magic and the ancient, classic texts. As such, it was the first readily accessible English translation, or republication, of rare, long-out-of-print works, and was fundamental for many exploring the Western magic tradition at the dawn of the Victorian Occult Revival. The Magus is actually separated into three books combined in one volume.
Book I covers: Natural Magic -- the occult properties of animals, minerals, and vegetables; including the preparation of charms, potions, "monsters", and sorcery; alchemy -- the Philosopher's Stone and how to make it; transmuting base metals into gold, the origin and history of alchemy including famous alchemists; the nature of the elements, the spirit world, planets, numerology, astrology, and talismanic magic.
Book II covers: the occult powers and uses of magnetism, including an essay on the Weapon Salve; and a comprehensive study of the cabala and ceremonial magic; includes divine names associated with cabala; use of the cabala to contact, summon, and bind spirits; names and descriptions of good and evil spirits along with the numbers, characters, and seals associated with them; construction of magic circles; and ceremonies of consecration, invocation, and conjuration.
Book III is a compilation of biographies of famous magi, cabalists, and philosophers, such as Zoroaster, Albertus Magnus, Doctor Dee, Raymond Lully, and many others.
This facsimile is a photo-reproduction of all three books from the first edition. A renowned and often-referenced classic of the Western Mystery Tradition, it remains a useful foundation for the study and practice of magic.
