The Dark History of the Occult: Magic, Madness and Murder

Paul Roland

BOOKSALES Incorporated REMAINDERS, Sep 25, 2011 - Body, Mind & Spirit - 208 pages

From tribal magic and shamanism, through the work of WB Yeats and Aleister Crowley, to black magic rituals and New Age nihilists, The Dark History of the Occult asks whether "satanic forces" are simply the emergence of the dark side of human nature, or whether we really have something to fear—namely, evil?

Black magic murders, Satanic sex cults and demonic possession are the diabolical practices that grab tabloid headlines and reinforce the myth that evil and an unhealthy obsession with the occult are to blame for our increasingly violent society. But is the truth even more dark and disturbing? What evidence is there that evil entities can possess human beings and force them to commit horrific murders?

In this fully illustrated hardcover volume, occult expert Paul Roland traces the history of the Black Arts back to uncover profane rituals, infernal ceremonies and demonic invocations. He explores the origins of our beliefs in devils and demons, and how the early Church created the cult of witchcraft to justify the persecution of followers of 'the old religion.'

What people are saying

Review: The Dark History of the Occult: Magic, Madness and Murder

User Review  - Blackcatmoon66 - Goodreads

I really enjoyed the Authors prospective of the subject. Very informative on people who are supposedly involved as well. Learned a lot from reading this book.

About the author

Paul has been a freelance feature writer and reviewer for many UK publications for over thirty years and a regular contributor to The Mail on Sunday, Kerrang and Total Film. For further details, visit www.paulroland.net

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Dark History of the Occult: Magic, Madness and Murder
• Author: Paul Roland
• Publisher: BOOKSALES Incorporated REMAINDERS, 2011
• ISBN: 0785827137, 9780785827139
• Length: 208 pages
• Subjects: Body, Mind & Spirit / Occultism; History / General