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The Secret Arts
Time Life Enchanted World
143 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1987
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362 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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December 19, 2012Time-Life has once again done an outstanding job putting together a series. From cover to cover they are thoughtful, beautiful books. I'm starting to sound generic, but it's true.
I like white backgrounds and side notes with clear sections for every subject.This series has none of that.What they do have is an old book feel. Timeless artwork,thoroughness, &very well written makes these a must on my occult/paranormal bookshelf at home.I've been collecting the series slowly over several years *still have a few books to go.I refuse to go on amazon and buy them.It's all in the hunt for me.There is no subject they have left untouched.I highly recommend them
I like white backgrounds and side notes with clear sections for every subject.This series has none of that.What they do have is an old book feel. Timeless artwork,thoroughness, &very well written makes these a must on my occult/paranormal bookshelf at home.I've been collecting the series slowly over several years *still have a few books to go.I refuse to go on amazon and buy them.It's all in the hunt for me.There is no subject they have left untouched.I highly recommend them
April 23, 2025
It's neat, interesting tidbits of arcane and occult lore.
July 13, 2021
This is book 20 in The Enchanted World series by Time/Life Books. The penultimate volume, it really acts as a companion piece to the first book, Wizards and Witches. In that first volume, it discussed three traditions of wizards - the lowest being the book learned mage who sought answers of the beyond through grimoires and other magical texts. This book directly discussed the methods and tools used by this third tier of mage.
This book discussed the various methods of divination - looking at the entrails of sacrificed animals, ripples of rocks in water, reading the lines in palms, crystal balls and polished skulls; The mediums of magic- through mommets, songs, and written curses; the tools of the mage - how to make a magic wand, construction of magic rings, uses of the magicians sword and dagger. All in all a thorough examination of the art. However, the use of stories is at a minimum here. Far less than in other volumes, but the art included is just as impressive as always.
This book discussed the various methods of divination - looking at the entrails of sacrificed animals, ripples of rocks in water, reading the lines in palms, crystal balls and polished skulls; The mediums of magic- through mommets, songs, and written curses; the tools of the mage - how to make a magic wand, construction of magic rings, uses of the magicians sword and dagger. All in all a thorough examination of the art. However, the use of stories is at a minimum here. Far less than in other volumes, but the art included is just as impressive as always.
August 23, 2017
Another enchanting book in the Time Life series I am working my way through. Always great illustrations and wonderful information.
April 17, 2009
I don't own this one yet, that's why it's in the to-read section. I do know however that it will be just as wonderful as it's counterparts.
My review for all of these books in this series is the same.
Time-Life has once again done an outstanding job putting together a series. From cover to cover they are thoughtful, beautiful books. I'm starting to sound generic, but it's true.
I'm a DK fan, I like white backgrounds and side notes with clear sections for every subject. This series has none of that. What they do have is an old book feel. Timeless artwork, thoroughness, and very well written makes these a must on my occult/paranormal bookshelf at home. I've been collecting the series slowly over several years and still have a few books to go. I refuse to go on amazon and buy them. It's all in the hunt for me. There is no subject they have left untouched. I highly recommend them.
My review for all of these books in this series is the same.
Time-Life has once again done an outstanding job putting together a series. From cover to cover they are thoughtful, beautiful books. I'm starting to sound generic, but it's true.
I'm a DK fan, I like white backgrounds and side notes with clear sections for every subject. This series has none of that. What they do have is an old book feel. Timeless artwork, thoroughness, and very well written makes these a must on my occult/paranormal bookshelf at home. I've been collecting the series slowly over several years and still have a few books to go. I refuse to go on amazon and buy them. It's all in the hunt for me. There is no subject they have left untouched. I highly recommend them.
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August 7, 2011good
April 20, 2013
Love this whole series. <3
March 10, 2019
This entire series has beautiful illustrations and this one is no exception. The stories are always compelling too, and this one even contains some occult facts.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews