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Book
Review - Real Magic |
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Back cover synopsis: From poltergeists to the latest in parapsychological research, from tantra to tarot, Bonewits investigates the laws, uses, history and manifestations of real magic. With wry humor and delightful irreverence, Bonewits brings magic out of the Dark Ages and into the Computer Age in a completely unique and spellbinding investigation of the occult that will captivate believers and non-believers alike. |
Rhaevyn's Synopsis |
| If you're looking for a book that shoots straight and tells it like it is, this is the book for you. Bonewits has no problem saying exactly what he thinks, and he definitely has a good sense of humor about it. He gets into the "why" of magick, detailing the scientific processes behind it, not to mention why Pagans believe in the spiritual side of magick. He explores so many different facets of magick that after you're done with the book, it's hard to *not* believe in magick! |
Entertainment Factor  |
| Bonewits has a great sense of humor which makes reading this book a total joy. He's serious, but doesn't take things too seriously. That aspect of his writing is a breath of fresh air after reading so many books that are too serious for their own good. Even while you're reading about a topic in the book that may seem to be a difficult subject, Bonewits' attitude keeps you entertained enough so you actually enjoy plowing through the material. |
Content and Information |
| Consider this: Bonewits is the first (and only, I believe, as of this moment) person to receive a Bachelor's in magick and thaumaturgy. He puts a lot of information into his work, and his research shows. What you don't get out of his book itself, you can probably find in his bibliography. Let's put it this way...I think if I had ever written a paper with a bibliography like the one in the end of Real Magic, I think my teachers would have marked me down for providing way too much information! |
Usefulness |
| The fact that this book veers away from the typical "I'm providing you with spells and a disclaimer saying they only *might* work" is an enormous improvement over the content you usually find in bookstores. Not only does Bonewits explain magic in scientific terms, but also in laymen's terms...so not only do you learn why magick works, but how you can use it to your utmost advantage. |
Longevity |
| Real Magic is another book that has been around for a while (it was originally published in 1971 and has been revised since) and still maintains its worth. The only thing I can see that dates the book is the bibliography, and that's quite all right with me. It still has a modern feel to it, and the information contained far surpasses the bounds of time. It's unfortunate that this book isn't as widely known as many others because it certainly is better than most of the books on the shelves of bookstores nowadays. |
Final Analysis |
| Can I mention again how much I like this book? Good! Between his website and his books, Bonewits continues to be one of my favorite authors for his no-nonsense style of writing. Not many books explore the laws of magick in a modern format, and this certainly is one of the few that not only discusses those laws, but makes them clear, concise, and even entertaining to learn about. This is a very engaging book as long as you have a sense of humor and a desire to learn. |
Author:
Isaac Bonewits
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I'll admit a bias...I don't like a lot of the books that Pagan authors are putting out now. I try to give fair and honest reviews, but I really think that if we want the standards of Pagan reference and literature raised, we have to be incredibly critical of what is already on the market. Just wanted to warn you ahead of time... *grin*
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