Magic, Pretended Miracles, and Remarkable Natural Phenomena

A compact yet richly illustrated guide traces the roots of what we call magic, beginning with the ancient Magi of Persia and their role as priestly scholars. It shows how early thinkers connected numbers, plants and minerals to hidden powers, weaving together Biblical references, Greek philosophy and medieval folklore. Readers discover how the once‑respected magi gradually slipped into legend, giving rise to the figure of the magician who claimed secret knowledge and even alliances with unseen forces.

The second part delves into specific “miraculous” tools—magic squares, talismans and special herbs—explaining the theories that once made them seem indispensable to both science and superstition. By pairing concise historical commentary with clear reproductions of original illustrations, the book invites curious listeners to see how early explanations for natural wonders evolved into the stories we still find fascinating today.