these subjects with a rational and critical perspective. This work will likely interest readers curious about the historical development of superstition, folk magic, and the rational debunking of such beliefs. The opening of the book sets out its structure and purpose: it is divided into three main parts—the first addressing magic and sorcery, the second focusing on superstition, and the third presenting ghost stories with occasional natural explanations. The introduction stresses the difference between natural and so-called "supernatural" magic, emphasizing the rise of superstition from ignorance of natural causes and human fascination with the unknown. Early chapters survey notable magicians and supposed sorcerers, discuss the origins and history of magic, and outline various magical practices and supernatural beliefs such as necromancy, witchcraft, and the fabrication of magical objects like amulets and talismans. Throughout, the tone is critical; the author attributes belief in magic and witchcraft more to deception, self-delusion, and ignorance than to reality, laying the groundwork for a skeptical, yet thorough exploration of the magical and superstitious traditions of the past. (This is an automatically generated summary.)