Magic: The Basics

<p><em>Magic: The Basics</em> is a concise and engaging introduction to magic in world history and contemporary societies. Presenting magic as a global phenomenon which has manifested in all human cultures, this book takes a thematic approach which explores the historical, social, and cultural aspects of magic. </p><p>Key features include:</p><ul> <p> </p> <li>attempts to define magic either in universal or more particular terms, and to contrast it with other broad and potentially fluid categories such as religion and science;</li> <p> </p> <li>an examination of different forms of magical practice and the purposes for which magic has been used;</li> <p> </p> <li>debates about magic’s effectiveness, its reality, and its morality;</li> <p> </p> <li>an exploration of magic’s association with certain social factors, such as gender, ethnicity and education, among others.</li> </ul><p>Offering a global perspective of magic from antiquity through to the modern era and including a glossary of key terms, suggestions for further reading and case studies throughout<em>, Magic: The Basics</em> is essential reading for anyone seeking to learn more about the academic study of magic.</p> <p>Acknowledgements</p><p>Introduction: A Magical World</p><p>Chapter 1: The Meanings of Magic</p><p>Chapter 2: Magical Acts</p><p>Chapter 3: Magic Contested and Condemned</p><p>Chapter 4: Magical Identities</p><p>Chapter 5: The Reality of Magic</p><p>Chapter 6: Magic in the Modern World</p><p>Glossary</p><p>Further Reading</p>