The Philosophy of Natural Magic by Henry Cornelius Agrippa

Description

This 1913 edition of The Philosophy of Natural Magic by Henry Cornelius Agrippa presents a fascinating gateway into Renaissance occult thought, enriched with substantial background material. The original work, De Occulta Philosophia Libri Tres (Three Books of Occult Philosophy), was first published between 1531 and 1533. In it, Agrippa argued that magic was a divine science — a sacred knowledge granted by God rather than a diabolical art — and that it could be studied and practiced by pious Christians. His ideas profoundly shaped Renaissance esotericism, influencing later thinkers such as Giordano Bruno. Although this edition is not a scholarly or critical version, it offers an accessible reading experience for those who wish to explore Agrippa’s ideas without struggling through archaic Elizabethan spelling or typography. It blends portions of an anonymous translation of Agrippa’s Libri Tres, selections from Henry Morley’s biographical study of Agrippa, and additional material by the publisher, L. W. De Laurence — a colourful and controversial figure in early 20th-century American occult publishing. De Laurence’s editorial additions, while self-promotional, provide a revealing glimpse into the commercial and spiritual climate of the occult revival in that era.

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