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Man, Myth and Magic: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Supernatural
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Hardcover
First published June 1, 1970
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677 people want to read
About the author
Richard Cavendish
212 books47 followersRichard Cavendish (1930 - 2016) was a writer, lecturer, broadcaster, historian & leading authority on Magic and Witchcraft. He is the author of 'The Black Arts', a study of the European tradition of magic.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 16, 2007
This set is one of my only prized possessions. I use it all the time. Heavily illustrated and a wealth of occult information. If you get it...get the 70s version, the covers are much better than the 90s issue.
May 20, 2020
This is a fairly indispensable set for anyone interested in a wide range of occult, pagan, esoteric, psychic, and religious topics. Many of the editors and article writers are distinguished, such as Mircea Eliade. Originally published in 1970 which is now 50 years ago (!!??) it does suffer from a lot of outdated and obsolescent information and references, as well as the lack of archaeological and historical discoveries in the intervening period. But I still don’t know of any single reference that’s as useful, attractive, and interesting as this one.
I randomly examined a number of articles in the original 1970 and 1995 reprint editions and found the following differences. The 1970 edition has 24 volumes and a total of 3,376 pages.
Bottom line: In my opinion this set is still indispensable, but full 1970 and 1995 sets are somewhat uncommon and sell in the $400 range and up. Be patient; colllectors of my age are dying every day and a set is bound to come on the market before long.
Be aware, however, the material is not exactly the same as that in the original 1970 set. The 1970 edition has 24 volumes and a total of 3,376 pages. The 1995 version has 21 volumes and 2976 pages, a difference of about 12% fewer pages.
The good news is that the production values in the 1995 reprint are as good or better than the 1970. The volume height and width remain unchanged. The binding, while omitting the color covers, is very rugged. The art direction is still stunning with abundant use of color photos and illustrations throughout, including some striking full page bleed photos. The text font size is the same (and appears to be the same font.) In the case of the extreme close up of the owl face used for that article, the 1995 version even improves the contrast and brightness over the very dark print in 1970.
I randomly examined a number of articles in the 1995 and 1970 and found the following differences: in the 1995 edition, articles were shortened, sometimes by just a paragraph or some and sometimes by several. However, it appears in checking a few volumes that the article titles are the same. It’s just that they went through and trimmed by 12% overall. The short references block at the end of many articles was often shortened, but in a few cases, references were added or replaced. The editors didn’t just cut for space, but seemed to take some care that the articles were shortened in sensible places. However, I didn’t see evidence of updated articles, although I did not check all 3000 pages to make sure. Maybe someone else who has can help me correct this.
The following publishing history of Man, Myth & Magic is based on the corresponding article in wikipedia. The content was originally published starting in 1970 as a British weekly magazine by BPC Publishing. The run continued for 112 issues spanning 1,000 articles with some 5,000 illustrations, many of them in full color. Although I may be misremembering this, I have a persistent memory that these weekly editions were also made available in some areas of the USA, where you could purchase the individual issues as they were released at supermarkets. I might be mixing this up with other promotions that supermarkets had of travel and historical series of this nature designed to get folks into the stores at least once a week to buy them. Anyway, individual issues of MM&M are still often found in libraries and used book and magazine stores.
Finally, a 24 volume hardbound set was released incorporating the articles in all 112 issues with the final volume adding a content guide with extensive bibliography and a thorough index of all the articles.
The first time I realized that this set had been reprinted was some years ago, I was just randomly browsing my local public library branch and was amazed to see in the reference section the 1995 21 volume set. The original binding was not really sturdy enough for library use and I get the feeling that was part of the motivation behind the choice of the binding used in the 1995 edition.
I randomly examined a number of articles in the original 1970 and 1995 reprint editions and found the following differences. The 1970 edition has 24 volumes and a total of 3,376 pages.
Bottom line: In my opinion this set is still indispensable, but full 1970 and 1995 sets are somewhat uncommon and sell in the $400 range and up. Be patient; colllectors of my age are dying every day and a set is bound to come on the market before long.
Be aware, however, the material is not exactly the same as that in the original 1970 set. The 1970 edition has 24 volumes and a total of 3,376 pages. The 1995 version has 21 volumes and 2976 pages, a difference of about 12% fewer pages.
The good news is that the production values in the 1995 reprint are as good or better than the 1970. The volume height and width remain unchanged. The binding, while omitting the color covers, is very rugged. The art direction is still stunning with abundant use of color photos and illustrations throughout, including some striking full page bleed photos. The text font size is the same (and appears to be the same font.) In the case of the extreme close up of the owl face used for that article, the 1995 version even improves the contrast and brightness over the very dark print in 1970.
I randomly examined a number of articles in the 1995 and 1970 and found the following differences: in the 1995 edition, articles were shortened, sometimes by just a paragraph or some and sometimes by several. However, it appears in checking a few volumes that the article titles are the same. It’s just that they went through and trimmed by 12% overall. The short references block at the end of many articles was often shortened, but in a few cases, references were added or replaced. The editors didn’t just cut for space, but seemed to take some care that the articles were shortened in sensible places. However, I didn’t see evidence of updated articles, although I did not check all 3000 pages to make sure. Maybe someone else who has can help me correct this.
The following publishing history of Man, Myth & Magic is based on the corresponding article in wikipedia. The content was originally published starting in 1970 as a British weekly magazine by BPC Publishing. The run continued for 112 issues spanning 1,000 articles with some 5,000 illustrations, many of them in full color. Although I may be misremembering this, I have a persistent memory that these weekly editions were also made available in some areas of the USA, where you could purchase the individual issues as they were released at supermarkets. I might be mixing this up with other promotions that supermarkets had of travel and historical series of this nature designed to get folks into the stores at least once a week to buy them. Anyway, individual issues of MM&M are still often found in libraries and used book and magazine stores.
Finally, a 24 volume hardbound set was released incorporating the articles in all 112 issues with the final volume adding a content guide with extensive bibliography and a thorough index of all the articles.
The first time I realized that this set had been reprinted was some years ago, I was just randomly browsing my local public library branch and was amazed to see in the reference section the 1995 21 volume set. The original binding was not really sturdy enough for library use and I get the feeling that was part of the motivation behind the choice of the binding used in the 1995 edition.
May 23, 2012
Invaluable source material for writers. Finding a full set is nearly impossible. I was lucky and my local Bookman's had the full set at $50.00. Love that store...got a mint 1st edition Of Mice and Men for $20.00, had it valued and insured for $6000.00! If you are ever in Tucson, go to one location for treasure hunt. Oops, went on a weird tangent there...
If you find it, buy it, this will be a prized possession in any home library, and the information in these volumes will come in handy for all the students in the household .
If you find it, buy it, this will be a prized possession in any home library, and the information in these volumes will come in handy for all the students in the household .
Currently reading
August 18, 2011Read, currently-reading (on hiatus), to-read ... lots of ways I could relate to this book set. I literally read/skimmed the first 4 volumes cover to cover and took notes. I'd love to own this series someday. Very comprehensive, with entries on all manner of subjects, including folklore, indigenous religion and paganism, religious past and present, the occult, and much more. A true gem of an encyclopedia series.
October 28, 2014
The greatest collection of esoteric knowledge available. Published in 1970, however, and a newer, updated edition would be most welcome. Articles are written by various authors, so individual quality varies. Cavendish, a well known writer of the occult, did a fantastic job putting it all together. Very well illustrated.
October 19, 2012
The MOST incredible resource for the Supernatural and the Metaphysical.Nothing else comes close in it`s scope of coverage in all things Metaphysical.HIGHLY recommended.One of the MOST engrossing , captivating reads you will find.An invaluable resource for anybody on Occult or Metaphysical studies.
January 21, 2008
UGHHHH SO AMAZINGGGGGG found almost the entire set at a sale in a jewish temple in virginia. this series is absolutely fucking fantastic and i will treasure these books eternally.
November 9, 2010
As a writer, this set of books has been such a rich source of material for me.
June 16, 2017
If one hath the money to blow, sure; otherwise or in any case, should your library have a complete set, ye shall never be admitted ye hath "Nothing to do" ever a-gain!
December 19, 2023
Not a review per se, others have done great jobs, but I just scored the 1995 ed. for free, woot!
February 13, 2017
1st Read: June 1, 1996 - June 30, 1996
While living in Calgary, Alberta, I had to read this one in the huge library downtown, as they wouldn't allow reference books to leave the building.
Very informative and educational material. It has become widely known as a highly collectible series in the original printings of 1970. To even have the revised 21 edition series in 1994 - 1995 are just as much sought after and just as pricey! Some single editions fetch as much as $400.00! That being said, if you have them, hold onto them.
You will not find a more comprehensive collection of books ever like this again. The best set of encyclopedias you could ever have on this type of subject matter.
While living in Calgary, Alberta, I had to read this one in the huge library downtown, as they wouldn't allow reference books to leave the building.
Very informative and educational material. It has become widely known as a highly collectible series in the original printings of 1970. To even have the revised 21 edition series in 1994 - 1995 are just as much sought after and just as pricey! Some single editions fetch as much as $400.00! That being said, if you have them, hold onto them.
You will not find a more comprehensive collection of books ever like this again. The best set of encyclopedias you could ever have on this type of subject matter.
September 3, 2013
My local library has a complete but very stinky set. They smell old and poopy. But these books are wonderful. I don't know why I've put off buying the set. They're great for research, or just entertaining when you don't feel like settling into a novel. Just grab one at random and start reading randomly.
Look here:
"Leprechauns: Fairy shoemakers of Irish folklore."
See? I didn't know they were shoemakers.
Look here:
"Leprechauns: Fairy shoemakers of Irish folklore."
See? I didn't know they were shoemakers.
June 1, 2012
Mr. Cavendish covers the broad spectrum of the occult spanning the dawn of human comprehension to modern understandings and beliefs. The variety of cultural information makes this an invaluable tool for writers, dabblers, or individuals curious in taboo curio. The writing is clear and the organization and pictures make this encyclopedia set an excellent resource.
September 5, 2009
This encyclopedia covers such things as occultism, religion, mythology and more. Lots of pictures. Easy to sit down and browse.
October 6, 2011
slam dunk!
April 3, 2012
I only have 3 volumes of this, but it's great, so I am rating it "Really liked it". Yep.
June 16, 2013
Collected the entire set. Interesting read.
November 5, 2013
it's a great encyclopedia, although I wouldn't recommend reading it if you have asthma and the set you have is as old and warn as my grandma's set.
May 15, 2015
Got these when they came out, then replaced them after the housefire. WONDERFUL illustrations, good index. More random articles than I'd like.
July 6, 2007
Yes, I read the whole set...
July 5, 2013
Read the magazines in the 70's but worth reading again!!
January 16, 2016
Read volume one only.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews