Magic: History, Theory, Practice

by Ernst Schertel, Adolf Hitler (Reader)

In May of 2003, Timothy Ryback, the author of "Hitler's Private Library: The Books That Shaped His Life" had an article published in The Atlantic Monthly. In the article he detailed several of the books held in a portion of Hitler's library at Brown University. Mr. Ryback also mentioned some of the passages Hitler marked in these books. One particular passage was worthy of attention: "He who does not carry demonic seeds within him will never give birth to a new world." That passage appeared in the book "Magic: History / Theory / Practice", written by Dr. Ernst Schertel. Schertel was a researcher of alternative sexual practices, nudism, and the occult. After finishing his book Magic in 1923 he sent a dedicated copy to Adolf Hitler. Now, for the first time ever, "Magic: History/Theory/Practice" has been translated into English, with all sixty-six Hitler annotations intact.

Genres: Occult, History, Philosophy, Magic, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1923

Reviews

[Felix · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is definitely a rare case of a book more famous for the person who read it than for anything in the book itself. The book itself consists of discussions on magical powers, their origin and their supposed 'history'. It does not take a scientific approach to this endeavour. The bulk of this book is a sequence of opinions with little to no supporting evidence.

But what actually is Schertel's theory? Well, it's remarkably Hegelian. Certain symbols, objects and practices are given meaning by a collective understanding of their nature as 'demonic' things. These meanings are effectively constructed culturally through mutual understanding. Thereafter, those with the 'demonic seed' within them, are able to channel the energy of ecstasy through these objects and rituals and realise creative energy in the world. However, only a very small number of very rare people are able to become true creative 'magicians'.

So yeah, so it's pretty wild stuff. The introduction is quite fun, particularly the part that makes the book sound as though it has Necronomicon-esque powers:

After several years various translators have come and gone, some holding the book for months and accomplishing nothing, while others translated just enough to figure out they found the subject matter too disturbing to continue.

There's a ton of other stuff about the demonic giving way to the angelic, and the path from being a demon to a seraph. It's all pretty esoteric. Although, I do sense that if Hitler hadn't have kept an annotated copy in his library, nobody in the twenty first century would be paying this book any attention at all.

[Matthew W · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was recently revealed (2003) by Timothy Ryback, author of "Hitler's Private Library: The Books That Shaped His Life" that Hitler heavily used a copy of the Occult work "Magic: History, Theory, Practice" by Dr. Ernst Schertel. The book was actually sent to Hitler by the author in 1923, a decade before Hitler took power in Germany. These are the kind of interesting excerpts that Hitler personally underlined in the book: "...Every dwindling end has always been followed by a vigorous new beginning." "All fight for power is therefore a fight of hostile structures." "He who does not have the demonic seed within himself will never give birth to a magic world." For an occult work, "Magic: History, Theory, Practice" is a fairly practical and usable guide. I honestly would not be surprised if Hitler was truly inspired by this text. I am sure "Magic: History, Theory, Practice" will certainly start a new beginning for those scholars of National Socialist Occultism. Relying on historical fantasy like "The Spear of Destiny" certainly will not be necessary (may that is just wishful thinking?) any longer. But then again, a lot of historians have also ignored the scholarly works of Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke.

[Kristoph Kosicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know, I've read a few occult books at this point, one thing they all share in common thus far is that they all claim to know things but speak with such vaguity that you're always more confused about the topic than before you went in.

This is by no means poorly written, it's like the author's own private essay on the occult. I was drawn to the paranormal occult interest of Hitler and how his mind may have been influenced by such matters. Thus, this version of the book contains his highlights because it was found in his library. Over all, pretty unremarkable, and had this been Hitler's cereal box with a completed word puzzle on the back I wonder if it would have got as much attention. It seems a loose connection to his mindset over all, fit only for the history channel. But I could be wrong, maybe his occult influence was more profound then I am aware. But based solely on this, not much here in that regard.

Still, the books history is fascinating if nothing else.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interested in the occult origins of the Nazi party, how could I not pick up a book about magic (magik) that was "annotated" by Adolf himself? Turns out the annotations amount to some lines in the margin highlighting passages of interest, that have been made bold text in this English edition. Who knows what Hitler actually thought about the passages. Anyway, Schertel, describes the magical/demonic world that sits on top of ours and how to access and master it for your own purposes. It's a strange book that leaves things opaque, certainly interesting to know what people like Schertel believe in and what they worship. The translation is wonky and you can real feel those clunky German compound words clatter and bang about. Not much more than a curio, unfortunately.

[Kjǫlsigʀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly apt coverage with some hidden gems, not to mention the interest of an Austrian artist's characteristic underlined passages.

[Mason Cantwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rambles on with a lot of big thoughts. It's relentless in a way. That being said, there's more substance here than in the Satanic Bible. BUT, the bar is real low.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only of interest as it was read by the Furor and it highlights the sections highlighted in his personal copy.

[Aeru · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beyond schizophrenia. There's some reaaallllyyyyy dangerous knowledge in here (accessible only to the initiated of course). I can see why the big bad German man took a liking to this book!