7All three books of Francis Barrett's superb compendium of occult thought are presented in this single volume, complete with the original charts and illustrations.

An excellent work which encompasses much of the occult lore to have emerged over the preceding centuries, The Magus unites and presents occultist and alchemical wisdom in an organized and exhaustive manner. Francis Barrett designed this book to guide and imbue aspiring practitioners of the occult arts with a working knowledge of the rituals and materials required.

Commencing with Magic, we are offered a comprehensive accounts of its capabilities and the tools needed for its use. Natural magic is defined, as are the many philters and potions which may be created and imbued with its essence. Various historical examples of magicians who had, for good or ill, gained public notice for their practices are given. The later chapters meanwhile concern the properties of magical stones such as the legendary Philosophers Stone, and the arcane arts of combining creatures of nature, and the sometimes monstrous results.

The Magus itself is termed the Celestial Intelligencer; beginning with a basic account of the four elements, we traverse each in more detail before delving into the more esoteric practices. The symbolism of numbers and of the astronomical bodies of the heavens are detailed, sometimes with the help of charts.

The second book offers an occultist account of the Magnetism - distinct from the magnetism of physics, the occult magnetism is instead defined by an attraction of two or more people to one another. The various potions, incantations and other practices used to draw people together (or apart) are listed, with some consideration given to witchcraft.

The second book's later portions concern 'ceremonial magic', whereby practitioners may call upon spirits for insight or other purposes. Much of the book is concerned with the traits necessary of the magician, and the preparatory environs necessary to summon such spirits. Illustrations of these beings, who are various in appearance, are appended to these pages.

The third and final book offers a series of biographical accounts of those who led lives both active and relevant to occultism. Figures such as Zoroaster, Aristotle, Apuleius, and Henry Cornelius Agrippa each receive a memoir summarizing their significance and contribution to the field of occultism.

Working in the occult for most of his life, Francis Barrett ambitiously aimed to collect, translate and arrange the occult books of the previous centuries. He hoped that occultism would regain great popularity, much as it had enjoyed in the past, and offered lessons and tutoring in the practices from his apartment in London. Although The Magus escaped recognition and faded to obscurity, it later came to the attention of French magician Eliphas Levi, who brought it to renewed prominence decades after its author perished.