Related Subjects: Author Index Reviews Page 1 2
Book reviews for "Cavendish,_Richard" sorted by average review score:

Man, Myth and Magic: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mythology, Religion and the Unknown
Published in Library Binding by Marshall Cavendish Corp. (1983)
Author: Richard Cavendish
Amazon base price: $399.95
Used price: $19.25
Average review score:

its great for people who like "strange phenomena"
It's great set of books, with about every strange thing you could want to read about. It's interesting, and it doesn't push it's words on you. It leaves room for you to decide how you feel about it. I really love the palmistry section. I would (and do) recommend it to anyone interested in man, myth, and magic.

Comprehensive and Profusely Illustrated
I own the 1970, 24 volume, set. I haven't seen the revised editions, but I'm sure they can only make a good set better. Although this set is comprehensive in that it covers a wide range of subjects, it is not exhaustive and is not intended to be. Only key elements or highlights of each subject are presented and a bibliography is provided for those who want to research deeper. This set is probably the definitive introduction to the field of the supernatural and related subjects and it is profusely illustrated with artwork, photographs, diagrams and charts. Some of the pictures are graphic and some contain gore and nudity, so I recommend this set only for mature readers. - Brad Clark

Excelent book for information about myth, religion, & magic.
Beautifully put together. Just a totallyy awesome encyclopedia for the unknown and more!


Fodor's Exploring Britain
Published in Paperback by Fodors Travel Pubns (1994)
Authors: Tim Locke, Richard Cavendish, Barnaby Rogerson, and Fodors
Amazon base price: $19.95
Used price: $2.25
Average review score:

Britain with Gusto
Anyone who thinks Britain is dull will have their minds changed by this colorful guide book. Shorter but livelier than Folder's more traditional guide to Britain ("Fodor's 2000 Great Britain"), "Exploring Britain" has a color picture or two on every page, clear maps of every region of Britain plus larger cities, and dozens of marginal notes on every topic, from "Waterway Vacations" to "Mountain Safety." The main text opens with a number of introductory topics, such as "The Pub" and "Kings and Queens," and then goes on to provide easy-to-follow touring guides to 10 British regions, including London, Scotland and Wales, as well as England. The information is provided in a brisker, more personal style than the traditional Fodor's Guides, which tend to be encyclopedic but dry. Most tourism sites described in the book are given ratings, from one to three stars, a time-saver when you have to pick and choose. A condensed guide to accommodations and restaurants rounds out the book, making it a guide that could stand alone, although the traveller needing more information in depth really needs "Fodor's 2000 Great Britain" as well. In short, 'Fodor's Exploring Britain" is compact, colorful, and easy to use, and a good way to whet your appetite for travel to Britain.


A History of Magic
Published in Paperback by Arkana (1991)
Author: Richard Cavendish
Amazon base price: $9.95
Used price: $8.00
Collectible price: $24.55
Average review score:

A History of Magic
I was thinking this book was going to be a History of Magic but it turned out to be a History of witch sexuality, profanities, baby canabalism, orgies, witch homosexuality and the author was clearly himself amused with all of these things. I gave it two stars because there were some historical facts on Magic. The way he described magic and how it was practiced (in his eyes 24-7) which was not true at all, was a complete abomination. He focused too much on these sick and perverted ideas. I do not recommend young ones reading this brutal information that has been tampered with by this author. He makes a mockery of magic by constantly reffering to sexual things. He should have titled his book : A history of perversion not of magic. It is as if he took a brand new car and destroyed it. It is also too short for a history and makes magic look so hidious that it would not want to be approached. Look in his Bibliography and see how much he studied witch sexuality. If there are any writers out there consider writing a real histoty of magic seeing it in the eyes of good and not a perverted way that he could just not exclude.
Write it for students, ask questions at the end of the chapter set up tests and exclude these perverted things. Don't have any pictures. Write on the good not the evil. It is as if I wrote a history of America and it was based on sexuality some things may be true but EXCLUDE them!!! There are also some strange pictures
There are some refrences of Satanism that should not be mentioned in this book of magic. Satanism was portrayed sexually.
A terrible book, poorly written and his book is full of scorn not touching home base with magic but sex and perverted immoralities. I give this book a F. It was to short to explain from Zoraster to Satanism and Wicca today. Subjects of magic were hardly dicussed. An abomination to magic!!! Two thumbs down!!!

A History of Magic
This book is one of the most concise books on the Hitory of Magic. Cavendish goes from the ancients to exploring the recent cults in Magic. It is indeed a sober book, and the more you read the darker things will get for its History. Especially towards the end you will explore the personalities of the recent grand wizards. It will frighten you. Cavendish will describe from Zoraster to the Witch mania and all the way to Crowley (the Beast) and Hitler's Nazis. Cavendish describes Cornelius Agrippa's work at length and its Philosophy. I recommend looking into this "Great Philosophy of Magic" that no student of Magic should ever be without. If you are looking for Magic in the Middle Ages I highly recommend this title. Canendish is quite a frightening writer. I do not recommend reading it at night. Magic in the Middle Ages will give you a less frightening view of its History and pictures in the book. Cavendish also explains Eliphas Levi's work A History of Magic. Other than this it is a highly well-written work and well done.

A Condensed and Informative History of Occult Magic
The book is divided into four parts with corresponding subpart (chapters) as follows: Prologue: The Beginnings, Part 1 - Rome and the East {High Magic; Roman Religion and Magic; Healing, Dreams and Witchcraft; Astrology and Divination}, Part 2 - Christianity and the Middle Ages {The Magic of the Church; Runes and Druids; The Jewish Tradition; Alchemy, Astrology and Magic; Witchcraft and Sorcery}, Part 3 - The Renaissance and Witch Mania {From Ficino to Bruno; The Rosicrucians and the Burning Court; The Witch Mania}, Part 4 - The Modern Revival {The Eighteenth Century; The Rising Tide; Crowley and After}.

This text presents the main undercurrent of occult magic (or "magick" as distinct from stage magic or illusions) as it developed in Western Civilization up to the modern era. Cavendish defines magic as "an attempt to exert power through actions which are believed to have a direct and automatic influence on man, nature and the divine". Its appeal is the promise of "power and success unattainable by ordinary means." He points out that "it is impossible to isolate the history of magic completely from the history of religion or science." Although each is distinct in theory ("the religious impulse is to worship, the scientific to explain, the magical to dominate and command"), in real life "attitudes are not kept in separate compartments and the distinctions are frequently blurred". One earlier, seminal work that seems to share this understanding is included in Cavendish's bibliography: the 8-vol. work entitled "A History of Magic and Experimental Science" (1923 - 58) by Lynn Thorndike. The complete title of this work is "A History of Magic and Experimental Science and their Relation to Christian Thought During the First Thirteen Centuries of Our Era." Christianity is the background religion that Thorndike relates to magic and science. This set is ..... and lengthy, but valuable. Cavendish's "A History of Magic" is also valuable, especially since it condenses a lot of information into less than 200 pages and provides information on the major influences of modern magic. For what it's worth, it was used by illusionist and critic of the paranormal James Randi in preparing his "An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural" (See the semi-short bibliography at the back of Randi's book.). If you can find a copy of "A History of Magic", it makes an excellent companion to Cavendish's other book "The Black Arts" which has become a classic introduction to occultism and magick. It is recommended for it's comprehensive and accurate presentation by a wide variety of sources (Christian, Occultist, and Skeptic).

Other books edited by Cavendish that are worth checking out include the multi-volume reference work "Man, Myth and Magic" and the one volume "Encyclopedia of the Unexplained". Cavendish is not a practitioner of the occult but an historian who seems to take an agnostic stance regarding his subject matter.


The Black Arts
Published in Paperback by Perigee (1968)
Author: Richard Cavendish
Amazon base price: $10.47
List price: $14.95 (that's 30% off!)
Used price: $5.50
Buy one from zShops for: $5.99
Average review score:

Dirty fun
After reading this book, I really wanted to grab a shovel and head out for the nearest cemetery. Vivid images flashed through my mind as I read his detailed descriptions of spells. A necromancer I'm not, but if given the opportunity to experience the living dead, I'd take it. Much of what Cavendish writes about just couldn't be a reality for me. I mean, where can you actually go digging for six feet(it would take me several hours), perform a spell, and not get caught by the caretaker or the police or somebody? His book was well-written and I liked the way he discussed several different topics and broke them down by chapter. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in black magic or anyone who just wants to get spooked. What's the penalty for exhuming a corpse anyway? It would be well worth the risk for the knowledge attained from a successful spell.

The Beauty of being Numb...
Being a natural cynic, i ordered this book more with the idea of picking holes in every single arguement it put forward, rather than as a serious interest of mine. When i recieved it, my first reaction was, " my god, what a cheezy cover!". Not being one to judge a book by the proverbial, however, i soon delved into the dubious pleasures inside... and was actually pleasantly surprised. Instead of preaching to the unconverted or unconvertable, Mr Cavendish has put forward a fine, well researched report into many different areas of the "black arts", from numerology to black magic, without sounding pretentious or subscribing to the usual "bow down to your master" playground psychology that these sort of authors usually find themselves hankering after. Hence he makes the book not only readable, but also very enjoyable, and in parts even made me wonder if there was more to all this mumbo-jumbo than first meets the eye. Well done, sir!

Good primer for Satanists
Richard Cavendish wsa an Atheist, and that fact is critical to understanding this book.

As a secular person, Cavendish understood that the power of ritual was in its ability to focus attention and energy through the use of symbolic representations, and not in any alleged supernatural powers (e.g. actual demons, gods, devils, etc.).

This understanding is critical to Satanists and others seeking to use "low magic" (personal rituals) or "high magic" (public acts designed to create or direct opnions, attitudes, etc.). The ability to control others through the use of symbols (be they flags, images, words, religious icons, or other objects) is a source of great power to the Satanist who understands the proper use and application of symbolic acts.

Religion is nothing but lies and hypocrisy, claims Cavendish. Unlike Wiccans and other neo-pagans who make sanctimonius claims on par with Christians and Muslims concerning their supposed "goodness", a "black magicican" is honest enough to admit to himself (or herself in the case of a Witch) that the purposes of magic are to enhence one's own wealth, popwer, sex life, etc., and to bring about the destruction of opponents, and those who would deny the needs & desires of a Satanist.

This is an "unspiritual" book, free of the hypocritical nonsense and pious idiocy that fills most "witchcraft" books. Recommended as a companion to "The Satanic Bible" and other works by Anton S. LaVey.


The powers of evil in Western religion, magic and folk belief
Published in Unknown Binding by Routledge and Kegan Paul ()
Author: Richard Cavendish
Amazon base price: $
Used price: $33.40
Average review score:

Fascinating overview of "all things evil".
This is a smoothly written book about the various things that varioius (western) cultures have considered evil throughout the ages. It covers topics such as faeries, Hell, the afterlife, the Devil, the deities of ancient civilizations (and how yesterday's "in" gods are today's evil spirits), and spends not inconsiderable time on the question of how Christianity has struggled with the concept of evil over the past two millenia. For example, in most Christian belief, God is omnipotent, and herefore all things, even evil, work only through His grace. But the Devil is also omnipresent in Christian history, and some Christians adopted a more dualistic attitude toward evil. One of the more interesting parts (to me) of the book came toward the end with the discussion of the early Christian sub-cultures of the Gnostics and Manicheans.

Anyway, a fascinating study. My main initial complaint with it was that it entirely neglects Eastern cultures. Well, duh, the subtitle is "in Western Religion, Magic, and Folk Belief". (Cut me some slack: on my copy, "The Powers Of Evil" is in bold red letters and the sub-title doesn't appear except on the title page.)

Once I straightened out my own misunderstanding, I enjoyed the book thoroughly, particularly at first. Toward the end I started to feel as though the scholar had specific biases that were coming out. For example, Cavendish seems to find the idea of latent psychic abilities in man a more plausible explanation for certain phenomena than the presence of spirits (poltergeist phenomena, for example).

There was also a fair amount of outright contempt for Aleister Crowley, who probably deserves it for all I know, but which seemed out of place in a scholarly work. There were other passages which seemed to express contempt for Satanists that while often contextually understandable still seemed out of place. (I don't need any help to feel contempt for wrongdoers or megalomaniacs.) And I find that I have come away with a somewhat muddled view of Satanism though that must at least be attributed in part to the muddled views of many Satanists.

The ending seemed to flounder a bit, but that's really okay, since the book isn't necessarily trying to make some larger point that can be neatly wrapped up and driven home by a closing chapter. Ideas of evil are not at all a uniform package and I would've been suspicious of any over-arching conclusions made.

Overal, I found the work very interesting; not as dry as it could have been, and very thought-provoking.


The Tarot
Published in Paperback by Bounty Books (15 April, 1989)
Author: Richard Cavendish
Amazon base price: $
Used price: $8.93
Average review score:

An excellent historical review and interpretation of Tarot
It is a shame this book is out of print. R. Cavendish has provided a refreshing and provocative overview of the many strands of thought swirling around the tarot. Along with the beautifully detailed pictures he has written interpretations of the 22 major trump taking into account Eliphas Levi, Wirth, A.E. Waite, Crowley, Jung and others. As the reader you come to realize that there is a rich intellectual history behind the tarot that is worthy of deep consideration. You will also find a rich appreciation of the heavily freighted symbolism employed by the many 'rectifiers' of the tarot over the years. He also gives a good introduction to the Cabala and its relation to the tarot. What I appreciated most about this book was its thoughtful perspective. It is a very good read.


The World of Ghosts and the Supernatural
Published in Hardcover by Facts on File, Inc. (1994)
Author: Richard Cavendish
Amazon base price: $24.95
Used price: $2.20
Collectible price: $13.22
Buy one from zShops for: $5.95
Average review score:

Interesting look at the mysteries among us..
I bought this book a few years ago, discarded under a pile of obscure books and listed at 75% off. However, if I had been deterred by the obvious misuse of this hard cover encyclopedia of the supernatural, I would never have gotten the chance to read and reread it the scores of times I have, nor would I have become so deeply interested in the fascinating world of the Occult.

Cavendish has collected a marvelous number of stories and unexplained incidences that have continued to haunt our rational existence. Accompanied with vivid pictures and organized by continent and country, 'The World Of Ghosts and the Supernatural' is both a lovely and occassionally frightening read.

However, sometimes the lack of elaboration on some of the subject matter left me a little unsatiated. Cavendish, whilst stopping his book from being as thick as a phone book, and perhaps containing too much useless, boring information, has only allowed 2 pages per subject. This, along with the large pictures and subtitles, make the book a little sparse on detailed information.

So, while it is fascinating to read, it is really more of an introduction into these perplexing world mysteries, then an extensive voice on the subjects therein.


AA Journeys of the Great Explorers
Published in Hardcover by AA Publishing (01 November, 1901)
Authors: Rosemary Burton, Richard Cavendish, and Bernard Stonehouse
Amazon base price: $
Average review score:
No reviews found.

AA Wonders of the World
Published in Paperback by AA Publishing (01 November, 1901)
Authors: Richard Cavendish and Rosemary Burton
Amazon base price: $
Average review score:
No reviews found.

America in the 20th Century
Published in Library Binding by Marshall Cavendish Corp. (1994)
Authors: Ann Angel, Janet McDonnell, Carolyn Kott Washburne, Marshall Cavendish Corporation, Gregory Bush, and Richard Taylor
Amazon base price: $399.95
Average review score:
No reviews found.

Related Subjects: Author Index Reviews Page 1 2

Reviews are from readers at Amazon.com. To add a review, follow the Amazon buy link above.