First, sorry for my possible English mistakes.
Now, this is one very interesting book, author is excellent to explain some puzzling ideas from ancient wisdom! It is slightly more about mysticism and alchemy than magic but one can understand through the text how those methods are connected. Anyway, if you ever started to have doubts about alchemy, esoteric disciplines and sim...if you ever felt to be brainwashed with modern rational science conclusions and sim...then this book will be fresh reload and insight of infinite truths! Author presents new look at some enigmatic writings from the past, and offer us keys for better understanding. My favorite parts were about Parmenides, Paracelsus and few more...Maybe this book is too short but author promises second part, but that last chapter was clever move so that after reading it we can "invoke the dream of beauty"...with "who is that ?" I will finish...

I loved this book of practitioners of alchemy and sorcery. The stories with the names are fascinating. Names we hear of or have seen in books come alive with the author's writings. Reading of the beliefs and even the fears they felt from the people who didn't understand make this a book that should be on anyone's shelf who enjoy this subject. There are footnotes and websites listed to help understand and to find more information which I definitely appreciate. This book takes you on a journey thru time to learn about those who come before. I received this book from Net Galley and Llewellyn Publications for a honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Ogilvy's book is a fantastic journey through magic and alchemy beginning with the Lion Man statue and ending with today's alchemy. Everything is well researched and presented in such a way as to entice readers to explore further. I was particularly fascinated by the chapter titled: Plague-Busters, Skywalkers, and Time-travellers.

Thank you NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy. I cannot wait to see a completed version with images included.

The history of sorcery comes alive with these unique portraits of some of the most remarkable, infamous, and colorful practitioners of magic and alchemy. Join author Guy Ogilvy as he reveals the fascinating beliefs, techniques and powers mastered by these influential figures. Beginning with the prehistoric culture of the Lion Man, continuing through the great mythical figures such as Orpheus the pre- Socratic Greeks such as Pythagoras and Aristeas of Proconnesus, and following the trail up to the great alchemists of the Middle Ages and beyond, this book is a treasure trove of information, from antiquity to the Renaissance, The Great Wizards Of History is a profound exploration of ideas and practices that were often contested or condemned even as they demonstrated the brilliant results of magical practice.