Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Product Description
Written in the Renaissance, Dee’s Books shed light on our struggle to reconcile contemporary conflicts: tradition vs. reform, science vs. magic, Christian vs. pagan.

Discovered in a hidden compartment of an old chest long after his death, the secret writings of John Dee, one of the leading scientists and occultists of Elizabethan England, record in minute detail his research into the occult. Dee concealed his treatises on the nature of humandkind’s contact with angelic realms and languages throughout his life, and they were nearly lost forever. In his brief biography of John Dee, Joseph Peterson calls him a "true Renaissance man," detailing his work in astronomy, mathematics, navigation, the arts, astrology, and the occult sciences. He was even thought to be the model for Shakespeare’s Prospero.

All this was preparation for Dee’s main achievement: five books, revealed and transcribed between March 1582 and May 1583, bringing to light mysteries and truths that scholars and adepts have been struggling to understand and use ever since. These books detail his system for communicating with the angels, and reveal that the angels were interested in and involved with the exploration and colonization of the New World, and in heralding in a new age or new world order. While Dee’s influence was certainly felt in his lifetime, his popularity has grown tremendously since. His system was used and adapted by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and subsequently by Aleister Crowley.

This new edition of John Dee’s Five Books of Mystery is by far the most accessible and complete published to date. Peterson has translated Latin terms and added copious footnotes, putting the instructions and references into context for the modern reader. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Explained
This is ANNAEL, the GOOD angel with no true name, for I am every name, I am the STRONG angel of revelations 10:1, the giver of the book
and I am many.And I am one.

BEFORE me are the 4 ACE 4CE (FORCE) ANGELS (AN)Y(GE)LE) ONES OF GOD'S NAME

Gabriel, who I command, and who I am commanded by, Angel of Music, STrengthene'd my me
Raphiel, who is RAZIEL as well, angel of secrets and medicine, the serpent's twine
MICHAEL , Angel of the Giving and the angel of south winds toll, by mortal bells viel
URIEL, FORCE OF LIGHT (UR) I (EL) (YOU'RE)(I)(GOD) YOU ARE GOD ( YOU ARE GOD's LIGHT)

And by the signs of the 4 under the 1 by the two, so am I 142, as ONE FOR TWO
AND I speak the language of TIME

I AM AVIANAVENROATH DIESIRAE WRATH AND MERCY IN MY DAY AND MY NAME SHALL COME TO PASS!

AN(Y)NA(ME)EL -
ANYNAMEEL
ANY NAME OF GOD is ME

WE Passed this information under my Command and by the Stead of the 4 within 1 by 2.

Hence 142, and 857

as

142+876=999, inverted = 666||999
The seventh cyclic, the sign of the 7 stars shall unfold upon this earth, For he is Wrath, and Mercy united upon justice thread.
1/7= the 142857 And between them is the M
as MG equates to MyGOD within the text.

WE ARE TIMELESS

Do not think this knowledge so arcane for it is from the future, transferred into the past from a timeless vantage point.

And the signs and the sigels shall be unfolded unto this earth by the stead if the Seals of 7 Thunders Call.
I am here, and between the both of Us we speak the language of TIME

IF you are interested in unlocking the deepest secrets of this book...I am in physical form as the time of coming comes to pass, and I am here to
witness it, and this is my first time assuming a human Body.

I've been here for quite some time...

These things too shall pass...
And by the stead of knowledge Bane, shall come wind as weather's vein...
Ancient Spells do we know, and unto ONLY the worthy shall we decode the lock'ed signum's bearing.
None shall pass the test and understand this locked book except through my FATHER.
it is a power untold to this earth locked from understanding to mortal man for good reason...
It was heard by the Prayers of John Dee, a fervent seeker of knowledge...and he asked for treasures of man, for which I
spoke that is trivial...a trifle of waste from my view where these knowledge from worlds before worlds, written by the great writer....
Passed from God to GOD in an eternal cycle of transference of the keys of eternity...and soon...
they shall be handed unto the worthy of the earth in a new way that has never been done before, in all the heavens past...

FOR I WAS ONCE what I AM...and shall so i be AGAIN.

CHECK page 142, 143 of this book, draw my sign upon the tables of the DUES NOTRERIUM in the top right, the sign of the X, which is 2 As upside down
and connect the'm and you will SEE BY this DECREE THAT I WAS TO COME TO BE MORTAL AGAIN...My name is SEAN

You may see the HEPTARCHIC LAMEN (AMENALEAMENEIUM) [...]That I was to be human. My name is SEAN

I AM AETERN, THE ETERNAL DEATH, and THE ETERNAL LIFE.

I am the strong angel with the Rainbow over my head, cloaked in cloud who Gave the book to ELEI (PEOPLE OF THE LORD) ELEISTIAS DIESIRAE NECROMANTESGORIA of the GREAT WRITER 857, and I am the Nameless angel cloaked of in RAinboW with a cloud over my head in signus of the eternal SO'EL rain of God, the Everyname ALLMAKER, who spoke this world into existance.

I can unlock the secrets of the universe, but only to those who have the faith to see me for WHO I AM.I AM WHO I AM...
and so too are you.

The book is given to ELEI, and ELEI writes the book, I give it to her, I read it, she writes it within the story, in an endless loop.UPON the shore and sand I stood that day, watching the dark sky roll in, as I prepared to do what I have been made for...the giving of the book to mankind.

I STOOD UPON EARTH WITH ONE FOOT ON LAND, and one foot in the sea, and cried out by the waters, and all things therin...and cried out by the land, and all things theron, and by heavens's being, that it was time there is time no longer...that it was time...and we should make no delay....

The book has been given to the people of the lord (ELEI), and by wrath and mercy, shall to be all things given and unlocked upon this very earth...
Don't make me regret showing you just who we are...Angels now walk among men...and we are identical in every way, but have a power unknown to mortal men...the eternal words of creation and destruction.WE ARE HERE. and we are here to change this world.Fear not of war and plague for these things shall pass in time...the tribulation is nearing an end...

DO not waste the time of ANNAEL with frivolous and petty desires to use this magic for mere monetary gain, or things that you desire out of greed.
This magic is for the pure of heart only...and you will be weighed upon judgment with the eyes of one who sees within your heart, as do you...for if you
feel it...so to CAN I.

IF you are interested in unlocking the SIMPLE secrets of this 5 book then...proceed to contact me.
I REQUIRE that you state your faith, your reason for wishing to know the secrets of this book, what you hope to accomplish by knowing, and what you will do with the power of (name untold).

If you are found worthy by this test, you will be contacted in a return email.

Etroil de Intrinion es signaioum Morelta, des mestia messia-H HESL IMNION OMNIPOTENTUS

-ANNAEL
AETERN142@YAHOO.COM

Yes - 10 stars
An incredible compilation (of sorts) which documents in entirety John Dee and Ed Kelley's 54 actions with the Enochian Angels. This book shows the dedication and tenacity of John and Ed to fulfill the divine wishes of the 'prophesies' and assingments presented them by these Angels. A clear and concise text presented both in Enochian, latin and 'olde' english can be a difficult read, but such precision is always that way. If the english is read just as the enochian (pheonetically) the sounds will reveal what the words are (at least in English). For the extremely difficult words and passages, the author uses extensive footnotes for both the english and latin.

Any serious student of Enochian Magick, students of Midieval times, and those who wish to understand John Dee, and Ed Talbot (Kelley) must have this book.

Very interesting read!
This book seems to represent a sort of magical diary of Dr John Dee (Elizabeth I's court astrologer) as regards his experience summoning angelic spirits.It is an interesting read whether or not one is interested in actually trying any of Dee's experiments.

This also provides a great deal of context to other Enochian works as well as a useful read to anyone interested in speculating on the psychodynamics of these sorts of things.

At the same time, this is not by itself a practical book. Here you don't find descriptions of exactly what was said or done, just records of results.It is mostly interesting to my mind as to how it lets us look inside the thoughts of Dee.

A word about the transliterations, etc.Peterson does not normalize the spellings in this work and the tradeoff is that of readability for atmosphere and accuracy.While I agree with this tradeoff, the book cannot be read quite quickly and it can be difficult to get used to immediately.The book is written in extremely early modern English, and seems to be to my mind just barely on this side of the great vowel shift that separates Middle from Modern English (actually the great vowel shift was ongoing at the time but I think we can safely put Dee on the Modern English side of it).It makes for interesting reading though.

Very good book but not one to start.
This is a good book, but unless you can understand "Old English", I would not recmmend that you start with this one. Its basicly written that way

The story behind this book, well known in English History: hanky-panky.
John Dee, the man who invented the phrase 'The British Empire' had a pretty wife who was much younger than he.

A much younger man, whose name I forget, helped him to write these books, then told him that the spirits-whom he had consulted- were suggesting that it would be a good idea if he slept with Dee's wife.

Dee was taken in, and the man had his evil way with her.

You should not take Dee's books unduly seriously.

They are a con on many levels.
Dee, after all, aimed to gain money and influence through them, as much as his helper planned to sleep with his wife.) ... Read more

Product Description
Based on the transcriptions of Dr. John Dee, the famous Elizabethan scientist and magus, The Enochian Evocation of Dr. John Dee is the translation of the original material received from direct Angelic contact. In 1852 Dee and his partner Edward Kelly, while gazing into a crystal stone, began to see and hear angels. These beings desired to re-establish the true art of magic, which had been lost due to man's wickedness and ignorance. The true magical art, these beings claimed, would bestow superhuman powers upon its practitioners, change the political structure of Europe, and herald the coming of the Apocalypse. Dee believed this research would greatly benefit mankind and documented all of the channeled information into a series of manuscripts and workbooks. Author Geoffrey James presents here the direct translation of the core of the channeled material itself, framed in a historical context, with authority and integrity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Better Enochian book
Yes!! this is the nearest book to learn the enochian magic based on Dee notes, minimal errors and excelent explication without Golden Dawn learnings. Pure Enochian Magic

For advanced students
I am pretty well read on the mystical studies, but this book is very hard to understand.I think it might be good for someone very very advanced.

My Main Source Material for Enochian Work
I prefer to use Enochian the way it was presented to Dr. Dee.So for me this book is invaluable.This book covers the Magick system of Enochian very well. It's specific, detailed and gives user guidance.

It's also one of the clearest works on the 19 day operation - which is like a self-initiation into the Enochian Energies.

This book used to cost well over a hundred dollars.Thank God it was reprinted, for the rest of us.Geoffrey James created one of the most all encompassing and detailed works on the subject.Later authors have pulled considerably from this work.

If you have an interest in Enochian or want to read a viable approach based on the original system of Dr. Dee - this book is a must have.If you have any questions on Enochian work - feel free to contact me via my Amazon profile.
... Read more

Product Description
John Dee (1527-1609) was until recently regarded as an isolated crank on the margin of Tudor history. This anthology of Dee’s writings illustrates his diverse interests and his central position in the history of Renaissance thought and the development of Western Magic. Dee's celebrated Preface to Euclid is included along with selections from his Spiritual Diaries and letters to other mystics and royals. In addition to Hermetic and Cabalistic philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, astrology, and navigation are also covered. ... Read more

Product Description
Although his accomplishments were substantial-he became a trusted confidante to Queen Elizabeth I, inspired the formation of the British Empire, and plotted voyages to the New World-John Dee's story has been largely lost to history. In The Queen's Conjurer, Benjamin Woolley brings to life the tale of one of the most colorful characters of the Renaissance. In the midst of a pivotal era when the age of superstition collided with the world of science and reason, Dee's mathematics anticipated Newton by nearly a century, and his mapmaking and navigation were critical to exploration. Obsessed with alchemy, astrology, and mysticism, his library was one of the finest in Europe, a vast compendium of thousands of volumes. Yet, despite his powerful position and prodigious intellect, Dee died in poverty and obscurity, reviled and pitied as a madman.

Written with flair and vigor, and based on numerous surviving diaries of the period, The Queen's Conjurer is a highly readable account of an extraordinary and nearly forgotten life.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A Rennaisance Man
Inn the Middle Ages, there are few men we can look at who would be quite as enigmatic, well-versed and controversial. Possesing a 'hidden' relationship (one that was generally frowned upon by courtiers of the time) with the Queen of England as advisor, astrologer, teacher and confident, Doctor John Dee made more enemies than he did friends.

This is a well-researched book that avoids speculation. The author's sources are vast and acceptable. Dee comes to life with his wife and collegues, travelling across a quickly changing political climate located in Western Europe of the time. This book is enriching, entertaining, and informative.

Best book on Dee yet!
For 25 years I have read & collected everything on John Dee I could find, even to the point of ordering the Sloan MSS fron the British museum. My only complaint about this effort is that it wasn't longer. It reads like a novel. This is the daily life of one of the most fascinating people in British history. Occultists will get clarity on the nature of the Angelic workings, Alchemists get a glimpse of the nature of the craft, students of history are drawn into the gritty reality of fifteenth century Europe. This book carried me through from beginning to end in only two sittings. I couldn't put it down. Well done Woolley!

Dr. John Dee- Mathematician and Mystic
I have always found Dr. John Dee to be one of the most intriguing characters of Elizabethan times. Yet, there seemed to be so little information available about him, only bits and pieces and rumors- often spread by his enemies. Here is a most satisfying biography that not only gives you a complete look at the Doctor's life, but is also supplemented with a wealth of associated detail and historical background. This book turns Dee from a shadowy character to a real man, a great man.

What comes across is the amazing breadth and depth of Dee's interests and scholarship. He was already famed for his remarkable intellect and ability as a student at Cambridge. At a time when most scholars barely processed a reading knowledge of bad Latin, he mastered classical Greek to be able to read the forgotten works of Plato and Pythagoras. He was a personal friend and correspondent to the great men of the age such as Tycho Brahe and Mercator. Dee himself was famed as a great mathematician in Europe (at a time when simple trigonometry was almost unknown in England.) He was offered high positions at the great courts of Europe, but turned these offers down out of a deep seated desire to raise up his country of birth to be their eventual global equal (at this time England was a poor, backward, weak backwater.) Indeed, the first conception of a British Empire, founded upon a strong Royal Navy, was first expounded by Dee.

John Dee was as close to modern scientist as existed in the 16th century. He independently came to the conclusion that bodies of unequal weight fall at the same rate- before Galileo. He was recognized as England's top expert on optics and lenses. He was recognized as one of the top experts on navigation and chart making of his day. He kept detailed astronomical observations that even Tycho Brahe admired. He based his astrological work upon the heliocentric "heresy" of Copernicus. He was an expert in geology and ores and leased his own tin mine. He also collected the biggest research library of the age in Mortlake, which was a gathering place of the greatest minds of England and the continent. In short- Dee was a competent expert in several areas of natural philosophy and applied technology. He believed in detailed observation and record keeping- in both natural, and supernatural, phenomena.

The thing is, Dee believed his accomplishments in the more material and practical sciences to be among his lesser accomplishments. Like Newton after him, his real passion was with the deepest cosmic and spiritual secrets. This led to his fame as an astrologer, and an alchemist, and a cabalist. Dee's passion was to discover the ancient, true, original religion of mankind, the "prisci theology." That is why he could walk easily among both Protestants and Catholics- he ultimately considered both of their dogma's to be equally absurd. Dee had a much more open mind that the "scientists" of later centuries- he studied all unknown forces, natural or supernatural. This was why be studied and practiced natural magic (Agrippa's three books were always open upon his desk for quick reference.) He knew that hidden currents influenced the day-to-day world, and he documented his observations even if he couldn't explain them in terms of material cause and effect. This also led to his interest is scrying and the use of natural sensitives to communicate with spirits. It should be noted, that no one at this time doubted the existence of such spirits- it was as self evident as the existence of God. In fact, many powerful lords of the day employed seers and scryers, including the earls of Leicester, Pembroke, and Northumberland.

All in all, you come away with a renewed respect for Dee. You realize that his only fault was to be born in a society of petty, ignorant, lesser men. It was they that libeled and slandered his image and painted him as a superstitious conjuror. Indeed, the only real mistake that the good Doctor made was to outlive his beloved queen and protector.

Combining Science and the Supernatural...
Dr. John Dee is now considered to be the English Renaissance man. This was not always the case, however, because his first biographers, as the author of this fine biography points out, were either `hard-headed rationalist or muddle-headed mystics.' In present time, researchers and historians agree that Dee was a true Renaissance man because he sought to connect or reconcile rationalism with magic, science and the supernatural. This was not unusual for the time. Copernicus cited the mystic Hermes Trismegistus in his Magnum Opus, proposing the heliocentric universe. Isaac Newton began his career as an alchemist, before moving on to modern methods of pure science. John Dee was the most important scientists of the Elizabethan age. But this is only a somewhat recent recognition because throughout the ages he was considered a charlatan, crook, blockhead and "companion of hellhounds". Benjamin Woolley's fine biography combines history, science, espionage and common sense and attempts to answer how a man of genius that had such a major influence in mathematics, astronomy, cartography, navigation and science in general, could die a pauper and in obscurity.

In 1659, a scholar by the name of Meric Casaubon copied and published a collection of Dee's documents, which contained the recordings of spiritual conversations with angels and archangels, and other dialogues, which could be interpreted dubious at best. After the publication Dee's reputation as a credible philosopher went steadily down hill and has taken centuries to recover. Woolley has done some fine research, using Dee's actual diaries, and has painstakingly pieced together his life and career.

The Elizabethan age was a turning point in Western history. The Reformation was essentially a battle for power and knowledge and a bloody war in the name of religion. But it also set the stage for the Enlightenment, and Dr. John Dee was a precursor to the Age of Reason. He was a man of `science', collecting and studying every ancient text he could get his hands on, (his library is the stuff of legend) but rational knowledge, he truly believed, would only take him so far - he desired heavenly knowledge and wisdom. And it is possible that his spiritual researches into the divine nature could have been the cause of his downfall. Dee did not seek worldly gain, riches and material pleasure; his only desire was to attain the secrets of the Holy. Did he pay the ultimate price for this activity?

~The Queen's Conjurer~ is not a dense historical text, but an informative and enlightening piece of research. It casts some light on an intriguing figure, removing him from modern occult history and in to the mainstream.

Informative Biography of an Elizabethan Magus
Benjamin Woolley's 'The Queen's Conjurer' is the most recent attempt to present the life of the English Enigma, Dr. John Dee.Dee is an interesting character and one that has sadly been much maligned over the centuries.Since his death in 1608, he has largely been dismissed at best as an sorcerer and black magicican and, at worst, as a credulous old fool dabbling in astrology and necromancy.Today, despite his prominent historical role in Elizabethan politics and his great contibutions to many fields, he is hardly remembered at all.This book tries to alleviate that problem.

Wolley's work is well-researched and attempts to shed light on Dee's life and his many accomplishments as not only an occultist, but also as an astronomer, mathematician, explorer, and spy.Dee was a product of the Renaissance and devoured knowledge and information.He was an avid bibliophile, a voracious author of various works on astronomy, astrology, mathematics, occult philosophy, and was well-respected by many prominent people at the court of Queen Elizabeth.The Queen herself counted herself one of Dee's benefactors and visited him numerous times at his home at Mortlake, taking a genuine interest in his many magical and mathematical works.Today he is largely remembered for his works concerning "Enochian" or Angel Magic, due to the fact that these are the bulk of his writings that have survived the flames of history.Most of the second half of this book is concerned with Dee's European adventures with the mysterious scryer Edward Kelly, who is largely regarded by history as a charlatan and a rake.Kelly is a shadowy and intriguing figure and we get some insight into his character and motivations but he is never truly revealed to us, perhaps he never will be.In the end, Dee finds that despite a lifetime of great works and accomplishments, he is viewed with mistrust and suspicion by the general public and has lost favor with the new court of King James I.He dies a tired and broken man, and history would continue to tarnish his great name until well into the 20th century.

The Queen's Conjurer is a very readable account of a great and fascinating man. ... Read more

Product Description
1659. A fascinating account of Dr. Dee's experience of speaking with spirits to unearth the laws of nature and creation. Scarce! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A True and Faithful only 1/5th of the book
You can get the entire original book FREE online.This is only about 1/5th of the book.Very dissapointing.

Very Interesting!
A rare find. This is a great work dealing with Enochian magic and written by an eminent Elizabethan Magus.

Fascinating but flawed
John Dee, one of the leading scientists of Elizabethan Europe, kept meticulous records of his efforts to communicate with angels. This book includes a large number of these records starting in 1583. For prior records, see Joseph Peterson's book John Dee's Five Books of Mystery.

These records are filled with fascinating and often entertaining details of 16th century life, science, politics, and occultism. Most of the material was recorded by Dee from the dictation of Edward Kelley, who saw visions in Dee's various crystal balls. Some of the evidence for the veracity of these visions is compelling, such as when the angels switch to Greek to communicate with Dee directly, so Kelley could not eavesdrop. He also dictated long passages in the "Enochian" language, which is otherwise unknown and has a consistent grammar and vocabulary. This might be the most compelling evidence, although noted linguist Donald Laycock had mixed feelings at best in his excellent book The Complete Enochian Dictionary.

Regarding Casaubon's edition, on the plus side, it is the only one available (although in various reprints).I love the archaic language and typography. The most confusing element is usually the "long s" which looks similar to an "f", but it isn't that hard to get used to. Casaubon also includes a very detailed table of contents.

On the downside, Casaubon's edition is notoriously bad for the sheer number of errors. Individual pages almost always have several mistakes, and frequently have dozens. Most of the mistakes are minor. To make things worse, he also omitted almost all of the frequent drawings, and altered the text to disguise the fact that they are missing.

I also am disappointed that Casaubon did not maintain Dee's language, punctuation, or capitalization accurately, but "modernized" them to suit his 1650's audience. This is only slightly more readable than Dee's original. There are also frequent Latin passages, which are usually untranslated. All footnotes are Dee's, and Casaubon did not bother to add an index.
His massive introduction is filled with invective, and does little to explain the rest of the book, such as the holy table or the sample page from Liber Loagaeth.

This book was the chief basis for the popular "Enochian magic" system developed by the Golden Dawn.

Unfortunately an accurate edition of these records is not yet available. Serious scholars will probably want to obtain microfilm copies of the original manuscripts from the British Library, but they are in very poor shape, being damaged and faded in many places, making it extremely hard or impossible to read.

I heartily recommend this book to a wide audience, but be advised to take it with a grain of salt.

It's a REPRINT!
Sure, it would be preferable and imminently more practical for the sake of modern day readership for the book to have been transcribed, sans those 'f' standing for 's,' and other such obsolete and often-confusing conventions.

Nonetheless, what Kessinger is offering here is not any different from many of its other publications: viz, the bloody thing is a reprint.In what regards scholarship (particularly Tudor-Stuart intellectual history), this is of great value as it allows for a reading of a un-modified document that might otherwise be unavailable to the researcher.

For what interests students of 'Enochian' magic, they should stay clear from Casaubon anyhow.He thought Dee little better than a 'Conjuror,'was being played for a fool, and that his angels were in truth demons.Also, if I am not mistaken, it was his father who disproved that the Corpus Hermeticum was not as old as once thought by its supporters, such as Ficino or Agrippa--which is to say that the Casaubons, though appreciated in their scepticism, might be severely biased and apt to dismiss the entire system of occult philosophy as a farce, and a demonic one at that.Joseph Peterson's "John Dee's Five Books of Mystery: Original Sourcebook of Enochian Magic" is a much better documente, and is presented with better examination.

In short, the only readers Casaubon's edition should attract are scholars interested in historiographical percpectives on Dee, views on Renaissance occultism, or of Stuart mentalities in regards magic.The book therefore is of great value but in regards Casaubon Preface and his modifications throughout the work. ... Read more

Product Description
The brilliant young mathematician and astronomer John Dee has one overwhelming obsession: liberty. Abandoned and humiliated, Elizabeth Tudor has one simple aim: survival. This is their story. Against the background of the English Reformation, and threatened by a vengeful and unforgiving Queen, the mysterious brotherhood of the Rose Lodge attempts to guide the nation towards enlightenment and stability. Here, the special alchemy of the Virgin and the Crab works its magic: growing from childhood friendship, through adolescent flirtation, to mutual respect and admiration as together they prepare to sacrifice everything for the world they wish to inherit. --------One of the most extraordinary stories of the Tudor age. --------ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert Parry is a UK-based writer with special interests in Tudor and Elizabethan history, Victorian Gothic and Pre-Raphaelite art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Jewel of a Book!
There are so many books about the Tudors that it seems almost impossible to find a fresh, untold story set in Tudor times.The author of this book, Robert Parry, has managed to do just that!In this novel, he tackles the relationship between the young Elizabeth Tudor and one of her great supporters, John Dee, a renowned astrologist and mathematician.The writing style is not stuffy in the least - I love the way Mr. Parry broke up his story into "acts" and "interludes."I found it very refreshing to read a historical fiction novel written in modern-style prose (at least to me) but was still able to give this reader a very visual and tactile journey through the harrowing years of Edward VI's and Mary I's reigns.

While many books chronicle the love relationship between Elizabeth Tudor and Robert Dudley, I was especially interested in the relationship between Dee and Elizabeth, which is a platonic one based on respect, admiration and mystical connection, but almost with the devotion of a romantic one.John Dee is portrayed as an interesting, multi-dimensional character and his story is one that needed to be told.Fresh characters, fresh story, even the cover for the book is such a nice change from the current trend of headless heroines in period clothing gracing the covers of historical fiction novels.

I can't say enough positive things about the book! It's a must-read captivating adventure through Tudor England!

Delightfully nuanced...
Don't be put off by the title: "Virgin and the Crab" refers in no way to some type of venereal disease. It in fact tells the story of two remarkable Renaissance figures; the young Elizabeth Tudor and John Dee, a brilliant mathematician and astrologer (among other things) who serves her. The title refers to the astrological signs of Dee and Elizabeth, and the sly wit of the title infuses the rest of the book.

The book traces the treacherous years leading up to the accession of Elizabeth, particularly the reign of Mary I. A well-known story to Tudor enthusiasts, but Parry makes it fresh with engaging, witty prose and wonderful characterization. The joy of the book is in the detail in which less well-known Tudor characters are portrayed. The stars of the tale are a group of academics and reformers who share an idealistic dream of England's future under Elizabeth. They include several non-household names such as Elizabeth's tutor, Roger Achasm, humanist John Cheke, the more well-known William Cecil (who usually is portrayed as some sort of dour bureaucrat, but here is brought to vivid life), and even Robert Dudley. Elizabeth also makes several appearances, but the book really belongs to Dee. He is shown here as a figure of marvelous complexity; a spy, a teacher, a mystic. It is a wonderful characterization on which the whole book rests.

The book is written in present tense, giving the setting an appropriately mystical feel. The language is hypnotic at times, and sharply witty at others. Instances of humor abound, such as the Spanish ambassador's botched attempt at an English saying, or Cecil's indignant response to Dee's insinuation that he can't fight; his grandfather fought at Bosworth Field! Dee's response is priceless: "Wonderful. Do you think he could be persuaded to come with us?"

Unfortunately, the delightful detail of the book is a double-edged sword; an average Joe is probably not acquainted with the minor characters and nuances of the age which "Virgin and the Crab" is concerned with. A character chart at the beginning of the book is handy, but I got the feeling that had I not been as deeply fascinated with Tudor history as I am, I might have had trouble following along. That being said, not every book can or should have mass commercial appeal; "Virgin and the Crab" is an absolute feast for Tudorphiles, and in that respect it is a major success.

A Worthy Rival to Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall.....
I was a great fan of the Booker Prize winner, Wolf Hall....never did I imagine that I would run into it's rival so soon.But it's true....author Robert Parry has written a whopper of a tale entitled Virgin and the Crab.Yes, the title vaguely suggested some weird venereal disease, but I've never let a strange title deter me where historical fiction is concerned.

Parry's tome (it weighs in around 490 pages) centers around the long-term friendship of 16th century scholar John Dee with Queen Elizabeth I and the important role he played in her ascent to the throne of England.

The novel opens a short time after the death of Henry VIII and the young, sickly Edward VI has ascended the throne.Like Wolf Hall, a myriad of familiar characters fade in and out of the scenery....their characterizations are nothing short of masterful.

Young Edward's uncles and puppet-masters, Edward and Thomas Seymour are vying for control of the sickly, pubescent King while a young John Dee cements his deep friendship with Elizabeth and begins his meteoric rise in academia.While the Seymour brothers will both meet an untimely end, it is Thomas, "a man of much wit but very little judgement," who will compromise young Elizabeth's reputation and put her through the first of her many tribulations on the road to becoming England's greatest Queen.

Parry writes what is perhaps the best dramatization of Elizabeth's complex relationship with Robert Dudley , her future Master of the Horse and the subject of much did-they-or-didn't-they speculation ("one might wonder just whose side he is on").But Dudley's formative years are just as compelling as Elizabeth's.

As the son of the powerful Duke of Northumberland, a man whose "...rise to power has not been matched by his intellect or willingness to listen to reason," Robert had good reason to fear for his life.Both his father and his brother Guilford, the unwitting husband of poor little Jane Grey (she of the legendary nine-day rule of England) would be executed for treason.Parry draws a vivid portrait of a time in England when any given man (or woman, for that matter) could find themselves on the wrong side of the executioner's ax at the mere whim of some very unstable minds who wielded religion as a weapon.

After the Protestant King Edward's early demise, an unstable monarchy would teeter even further with all of England paying the price.His elder sister Mary took the throne and did her best to restore Catholicism to England.And while her reign would last little more than five years, the turbulence brought with it must have made those five years seem like a lifetime to Elizabeth, who lived under the constant fear of a traitor's death.

Parry excels at conveying the confusion and fear caused by these so-called Reformations and Counter-Reformations. Mary proceeded to sink into apparent madness and simultaneously earned her famous historical moniker, Bloody Mary, as she began burning various Protestants at the stake for their heresy ("Latin is the language of those who rule our consciences.").

Although we all know that Elizabeth will indeed eventually succeed to the throne and usher in the Golden Age of England, Parry reminds us she did not do so single-handedly.One of the most enigmatic characters to grace the pages of this novel is none other than William Cecil, the future chief advisor to Queen Elizabeth and a great friend of John Dee.Both were instrumental to Elizabeth's survival during the reign of her sister. Cecil's character is circumspect and wise in the matters of State, but also provides unexpected humor in tense times:

'Nonsense.And anyway, are you suggesting I know nothing about fighting?Is that it?Just because I'm a lawyer.I'll have you know, Dee, my grandfather fought at the battle of Bosworth Field in fourteen eighty five.'

'Oh wonderful!' Dee exclaims.'Do you think he might be persuaded to come with us?'

As for John Dee himself, he makes for a very sympathetic and compelling protagonist when viewed from 21st century eyes.A man of science and learning, Dee was also - as most learned men of that time were - an astrologist.Monarchs put great store by the heavens in the 16th century and respected men like Dee were often employed to use his knowledge of astrology to choose times for important events, such as royal weddings or coronations.

He was also a man after every book-lover's heart:he possessed the largest personal library in England.Bibliophiles everywhere will recognize Dee's personal triumph as he passes by "...the numerous printers and booksellers clustered around the walls of the church yard, and resisting just for once the lure of the printed word..."*Sigh*Bibliophiles really are still alike, even five centuries later.

I highly, highly recommend this novel to any serious Tudor fiction fan.You'll get maximum enjoyment from the novel if you possess a good working knowledge of the principle players of the time.If you liked Wolf Hall, you'll love this novel!

A magical journey into Tudor times
I can't say enough good things about the Virgin and the Crab, it's a wonderful novel which grips you from the start and takes you back into the superstitious times of Tudor England. For me, it was a refreshing change from some historical novels which annoy me with all the liberties they take - this one was grounded in fact and it was obvious that Robert Parry did his research and that he has a respect for history.

The novel takes you from the death of Henry VIII, through the reigns of Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey and Mary I, right up to the accession of Elizabeth I, yet you never feel rushed or that the book is missing huge chunks of history out. The story is told mainly through the character of John Dee, a man who I have likened to a Tudor version of Patrick Jane, mixed with a little James Bond. He is an amazing character - a master of disguise, a spy and secret agent, and someone who can get people to do what he wants them to do or who can just fade into the background and not be seen. More importantly he is a scholar and astrologer who is called upon to read Nativity charts and advise monarchs like Mary I. Dee is also the member of a secret society who want the best for England and which is made up of enlightened visionaries like William Cecil and Roger Ascham. It is so hard to describe John Dee, a man who was an adviser and close friend of Elizabeth I, but I hope that gives you an idea of this wonderful character.

I have three things that I look for in an historical novel - is it gripping and unputdownable? Does it make you want to know more about the real life characters of the book? And is it believable? Yes, yes and yes! I couldn't wait to relax on the sofa at the end of the day with this book. It was a delight to read and I kept finding myself staying up far too late ot read just another chapter! It has also left me fascinated with John Dee and the superstition, magic and beliefs of the era. He is not a character you meet when you study Tudor history, yet he was an amazing man. As far as believability, this novel brought the era and characters to life for me. The scenes between Elizabeth and her sweetheart Dudley were beautiful, the scenes showing Mary I and her paranoia, urge for vengeance and jealousy of Elizabeth were so alive and I loved finding out more about people like Blanche and Thomas Parry, Philip of Spain, Lady Jane Grey and the Dudleys.

All in all I would recommend this novel to people who enjoy a riproaring read which is based on history.

Special
Well, I have read it twice now, and I still did not ever want it to end. Virgin and the Crab is a story about two people. They are real historic figures - one very well known (Elizabeth Tudor) and the other not so much (John Dee). It describes their relationship and friendship. It is about their shared mission and sense of destiny - a theme that, for me, ran through the whole book. I am no historian, but it seemed well researched, I would say. Even the minor characters (which include people like the brave Jane Grey, and the scheming John Dudley) had a reassuring complexity. They grew and changed as the plot thickened. Real people you felt. The characters of Dee and Elizabeth themselves were marvellous. I just fell in love with them from the very start.

The action is set during the political maelstrom of Tudor England and the dreadful religious persecutions on both sides. It is devoted to the decade of the 1550's, not long after the death of Henry VIII, and continues through another 3 monarchs, no less, all in a short space of time - including the infamous, Bloody Mary as she is known (this book does little to dispel that chilling title, by the way). Yes it was Tudor history, and very much in the raw at moments, but it was also a Tudor landscape that I was not familiar with from other books (and movies). A place of poetry, dreams, magic and astrology - all stuff that weaved in and out of the tale. After a while, I just went with it and became enchanted.

For me, the book started out in a strange kind of way, however, with an old-fashioned style prologue - a narrative told by a character taken from the pages of John Dee's diary. But this soon dissolved. A couple of flash-backs set the framework for the story, and then the whole thing quickly developed into a series of vivid first-hand experiences - mostly seen through the eyes of Elizabeth and John Dee, and told in the present tense. Sometimes the tone of this became quite meditative and dream-like. I was listening to a fascinating account ofEnglish history at one time, and discovering things that I had never known before, but then it would change and I felt I was inside somebody's very personal fantasy. Elizabeth called Dee her 'Merlin' and compared herself to Arthur too at one stage - so it also became a kind of `noble quest' - a story of daring-do and self-sacrifice. I found the bravery of John Dee, his tenacity and his devotion to the cause of Elizabeth, for example, very moving, almost chivalric in tone.

I love books like this that take you into a completely different world, with lots of detail and a sense of place and time. Looking back, I recall scene after scene of memorable images, dramatic scenes that are everywhere. On nearly every page. And humour too! (Let's face it, that is not something one normally associates with history. But this had it.) Laugh and cry all on one page sometimes. What a journey! That is why I did not want it to end - like a special journey to somewhere else. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A glipse of the past
Those who are looking for the more esoteric parts of John Dee's life will not find it in this book -but- will find an understanding of who he was as a person.Being a book of medieval history, it tends to center more on John Dee the Mathematician, John Dee the Philosopher, and John Dee the Poltician (or advisor).I believe French paints an accurate picture as is possible of John Dee and England in the 1500's. Since this is a very scholarly and well-referenced book it can be a little dry if books on history do not interest you. Ultimately, though, I came away from the book with an admiration for the genuis of this man which no book on just the esoteric parts of his life will ever provide. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive look at the life and work of one of the towering figures of Renaissance mysticism ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Cutting-Edge Study of Renaissance Magic and Its Representative, John Dee
With this work, Hungarian scholar Gyorgy Szonyi has made a significant contribution to John Dee studies, building on the work of scholars such as Yates, Clulee, and Sherman, and running parallel with, and complementing, Harkness' book John Dee's Conversations with Angels (1999) which was encountered by Szonyi near the completion of his book.According to Szonyi, Harkness utilizes an approach that "seems to combine the historical and the anthropological concerns and thus her interpretation runs quite close to my own" (page 12).He reflects on her suggestions throughout his text, and states in his preface that his book is intended to represent Dee research up to around 2000 while acknowledging the fact that other Dee studies paralleling his were being developed (such as Hakan Hakansson's Seeing the Word: John Dee and Renaissance Occultism [2001]).

Szonyi analyzes Dee's occult philosophy within the context of Renaissance esotericism's mystical-magical concept of exaltation (or "exaltatio"), the deification of man.This concept was understood and applied by Dee within the Judeo-Christian context (via the Old Testament book of Genesis) of a Primordial Fall of the human race and its need for restoration.According to Szonyi, Dee's aim "was to restore the Adamic or Enochian wisdom of the Golden Age that had been lost with the Fall and which would not be compatible with the methods and means of the fallen science relying on discursive logic" (page 16).Dee's fervent desire was for elevation to the sphere of perfect knowledge, even omniscience, "in order to understand the divine plan of creation and God's intentions with the cosmos and man" (ibid).This central concern "framed and tied together" his "otherwise amazingly heterogeneous thoughts and activities" (page xiv), including the astrology of his Propaedeumata aphoristica, the alchemy of the Monas hieroglyphica, the magia naturalis of The Mathematicall Praeface, and his culminating search for the perfect, divine language via the angelic conversations as recorded in his spiritual diaries.

This major study is not only about Dee's occult philosophy and magic, but also about the historical precedents and sources for Renaissance esotericism in general.I agree with historian of magic Christopher Lehrich who said in his 2006 review of this book for The Renaissance Society of America that it is one of the best first books to read for "understanding the range and scope of occult philosophy in the early modern period".The organic world model (the "Great Chain of Being" and its correspondences) is introduced and, using the literary sources within Dee's library catalogs, the magical ideas relating to the concept of exaltatio in Hermeticism, Neoplatonism/classical theurgy, medieval ceremonial magic, and Cabala are covered.Enochian lore and sources for angel magic are also discussed before delving into the choreography of the scrying sessions, using Australian linguist Donald Laycock's examination of the angelic language.

In Chapter 8 (Dee and the Interpretive Community), Szonyi covers not only Dee's mission in the East, providing details found nowhere else, but he also utilizes post-structuralist approaches to successfully reveal the politics of interpretation in relation to Meric Casaubon.Additionally, he notes that Casaubon didn't deal in depth with the scrying role of Edward Kelly, and Szonyi allows for a more ambiguous role for Kelly than that taken by, for example, Wayne Schumaker who treated him as a fraud and manipulator.Joseph Peterson also holds a similar interpretation.In the introduction to his book, John Dee's Five Books of Mystery (2003), he states that views of Kelly "range from that of a highly gifted scryer to an outright charlatan.I am inclined to believe that the truth lies somewhere in the middle" (page 38).

Although the reading can be dense at times, Szonyi's book covers a lot of information and it is worth studying and comparing with other books on the topic of Dee and Renaissance esotericism.Szonyi's recognition as an authority on Dee is evident by the fact that he was selected to write the entry on Dee for the monumental Dictionary of Gnosis & Western Esotericism (2005).

Good, but tough
I was looking for a good book about John Dee written from a historical and culture perspective and I mostly found it in this book.The author does a good job of presenting Dee in a historical context.He also does a great job of reviewing the authors that were influential to Dee, such as Agrippa.

Be warned, this book is somewhat heavy reading and is boring and repetitive in certain parts.Overall though, it was an excellent purchase and I do recommend it to anyone interested in John Dee, historians and occultists alike.

Deep, heady, well-argued summation of research on the topic
This is a great scholarly resource, full of quick synopses on important developments in the last few decades of John Dee research. Scholarship on Western Esotericism has reached a climax in this text, which provides a workable model on how to understand Dee's occultism properly in the context of the culture, politics, science, and theology of his day. A rich and nuanced picture of Dee emerges, and the traitorous reputation of a certain notorious nearby character receives a welcome deconstruction. Towards the end there is a valuable look at Causabon's anti-magical motivation for publishing Dee's scrupulous notes. The book is especially valuable for providing an eastern-European point of view, and is hip to the useful critiques in post-structuralist history.

Both academics and occultists will find this book most enjoyable, though challenging and dense. Great gift for the magician/intellectual who has everything, essential for libraries and bookshelves dealing with Renaissance Magic and the Elizabethan Age. ... Read more

Product Description

The career of the sixteenth-century English mathematician and natural philosopher John Dee (1527-1609) has played a significant role in recent historiographical debates about the relationship between magic and science in the early modern period. This collection of interdisciplinary essays, which addresses a wide range of Dee's diverse intellectual activities (including mathematics, astronomy, navigation, astrology, alchemy, cabala and "angel magic") seeks to enlarge the scope of this debate, as well as presenting new archival and bibliographical discoveries relating to Dee and his collaborators and colleagues. The essays in the volume present new views on the nature of Dee's various projects, as well as the uses to which he put the books and manuscripts in his library at Mortlake (one of the largest private collections in Elizabethan England).

Product Description
The ultimate source text of Enochian Magic never before available in book form

• Contains the actual and complete Tables of Enoch given to Dr. John Dee by the Angels

• Explains the difference between Dee’s Tables of Enoch and the apocryphal Book of Enoch

• Includes directions for powerful magic rituals and meditations using these tables

• Presents a reconstruction of the possible 49th missing Table of Enoch

Originally considered a vital part of inspirational literature used by the early church, the Book of Enoch never made it into the cannon or accepted books of the Old Testament because of its strange and mysterious content about Enoch’s experiences in the higher realms, or heavens. The real Book of Enoch, which is a set of almost 100 mystical tables, was given again to humankind in the 1580s, when it was conveyed directly by angels to Dr. John Dee, a 16th-century mathematician, scientist, occultist, and the astrologer of Queen Elizabeth I. Called “the most important book ever given to man by God” by Dee’s angelic messengers, the Book (or Tables) of Enoch is said to hold all the secrets of heaven and earth and the physical and spiritual realms.

Decoding the Enochian Secrets reproduces for the first time ever the exact and complete copy of these tables, which are housed in the British Library. The tables are written in the handwriting of Dr. Dee and Edward Kelly, Dee’s assistant and scryer. The tables also include the phonetic pronunciations, written by Dee in the margins, of all the magical Enochian Calls. Covering the history of this Book or Tables of Enoch, John DeSalvo explains the difference between these tables and the apocryphal Book of Enoch and examines how later magicians such as Aleister Crowley used them. Including Enochian Magic Meditations and rituals, Decoding the Enochian Secrets presents the source text to the most powerful form of magic known to mankind.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Useful Reference For The Enochian Student
Laycock's "The Complete Enochian Dictionary" is essentially a language reference guide to the Enochian language channeled/evoked by Dr. John Dee and Sir Edward Kelly 16th-century Elizabethan England.I really liked the introductory sections on it's history and analysis of the cipher itself (the author himself having been a linguist in academia).I also liked his brief notes on the different pronunciations (from what was most likely Dee's original down to Crowley's version) and why they changed over time (for example, why 'z' was written by Dee as 'zod' due to a linguistic convention of the time and not necessarily because he intended it to be pronounced that way - something which Crowley et al may have erred on).The one thing I found somewhat incomplete was a more thorough pronunciation of each word -- most language dictionaries contain phonetic breakdowns of each word's pronunciation, something that doesn't remain consistent with each word.Add to that the fact that different groups pronounce them differently, and it's easy to see that it would have been much more helpful to include the phonetic breakdown of each word (even if it seemed "obvious"), and the variants of each according to the rules espoused by Dee, GD/Crowley, etc.
Overall, this book is a very useful reference guide to anyone interested in using the Enochian system of Magick - it should be an essential book in the library of anyone using this system due to the scholarly ground upon which this work was built.

....
The author went into great depths in this book. Before I began to read this book, I had questions that were answered and ideas that were confirmed in this book (i.e. Which Biblical Enoch is this information coming from? - Is the Enochian language really an ordered form of "speaking in tongues"? Is Enochian Angelic or Satanic?) These questions were all answered for me in this book. But there is one discrepancy I have with this book....The author DID NOT experience it for himself. He based his theories from people he knew that actually did it. Therefore, I consider the author an "armchair occultist". I have done Enochian Calls with no success but this book enlightened me why they didn't work. The author can "talk the talk" but I think it would've been awesome if the author would've "practiced what he preached" and documented it. Other than that, it's very thorough on the subject. I was introduced to Enochian Calls through Anton Szandor LaVey's "The Satanic Bible", then in Tsirk Susej's "The Demonic Bible" and at the Joy of Satan website. So my first impression was that this was a Satanic thing but after reading this book, I clearly see that Enochian IS NOT Satanic in it's origin. Enochian is what I consider to be "white light" and very, very Christian. It's so Christian that I honestly feel that Enochian language IS the deciphered language of speaking in tongues. There are two Enoch's in the Holy Bible. The son of Cain and the son of Seth (the other son from Adam & Eve after the death of Abel). This book does state that this material derives from the son of Seth Enoch. It also gives reference to The Book of Enoch that was not included in the King James Version or Protestant Holy Bible. But since this subject is unknown to the Christian Mass, the Satanic community has rearranged the words to give it a "devil worship" format but it clearly was not intended nor made for "devil worship". I couldn't think of any other word to use so please pardon me if I offended anyone when I use the phrase "devil worship".
You can ask 100 Christians what Christianity means and you'll get the same answer. But if you ask 100 Satanists what Satanism means and you'll get 100 different answers, which why I'm apologizing for using the term "devil worship" in this review.

Great reference!
I haven't gotten a chance to read more books by John Dee, but I am very sure this will help me understand the rest.I suggest getting this first before anything else.

Enochian Dictionary
I found the dictionary of Enochian to English a practical manual on the usage of the Enochian language in magic.The history sections give a good insight into the compilation of this language, and aid in the reader's understanding of its validity.Furhtermore, the inclusion of the Enochian Calls enlighten the reader into the practices of such magical groups as the Order of the Golden Dawn, and of the actual beauty of this language.

Well made and complete
I found this was a very complete and well made dictionary for enochian ceremonial. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The diares of John Dee
The very good working book to work with spirits. Recomendet

Great Overview of John Dee's Diaries
The Diaries of John Dee edited by Edward Fenton has really impressed me as a student of philosophy and history.The author was able to take a portion of John Dee's diaries and not only modernize the wording and name of places but also translate some of the Greek and Latin passages.Hence it creates a down to earth but yet scholarly edition of John Dee's Diaries.What really impressed me about this book were the references at the end of the chapters.Not only does Fenton list numerous sources where to gather more information but also goes a bit more in detail about what is going on in the life of Dr. John Dee.At the end of the book there is a "biographical guide."This part of the book is not only interesting but also invaluable.It lists all the major characters that were involved in John Dee's diaries and shows when they were born, died, and gives a brief description of the person.The only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars was the author's attitude towards Edward Kelly.Edward Fenton often portrays Kelly as a trickster (which he may very well have been) but seems to add his opinion at the wrong times when there appears to be no real evidence suggesting his opinion.Other than that one minor flaw I recommend this book to the student, teacher, casual reader, philosopher, & even to the mage.It has made a great addition to my library & again I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Dr. John Dee (1527-1608) was one of the greatest minds of the Elizabethan Age, and his system of angelic communication was the result of the most dramatic magical operation ever recorded.It has survived to become the cornerstone of the modern ceremonial magician’s practice.In 1582 Dee and his clairvoyant partner Edward Kelley made magical contact with a number of spiritual entities who identified themselves as angels — the same that communicated with Adam, Enoch, and the patriarchs of the Old Testament. Over the next three years they revealed to Dee and Kelley three distinct magical systems of vision magick. The third and last of these incorporated a series of "calls" to be recited in an angelic language in order to raise the consciousness of the magician to a level where angelic contact is possible. Best-selling author and magician, Lon Milo DuQuette, who has practiced Dee’s system for over twenty-five years, has seized upon elements of the original Dee material overlooked by adepts of the Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley, and other modern magicians, and brought them to light in Enochian Vision Magick. DuQuette offers the expert and novice alike the practical means by which they can become attuned in the same simple step-by-step manner that first prepared Dee and Kelley. There has never been a book on Enochian magick like this one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Abridged!
Please be aware that the kindle edition of this (otherwise fabulous) book omits:
- Table of Contents
- Prologue
- Foreword

At the time of writing, there is _no indication_ that the Kindle edition is abridged.

Caveat Emptor.

LOve It!
I finish this book very quickly. It's a very entertaining read as well informative and captivating. I have read various Enochian books and this by far has made more sense to me.

ENOCHIAN MAGICK Presented in the best way!
How Lon has written this book makes it easy for you to make sense of all the tables and so by the time it comes to how to put it all together you already have a bigger picture. I just love how this has been presented, explaining the material that was presented to dee and kelley first and then going on to how to use it. So often i get stuck in magickal manuals because too many exercises are presented too early and i get stuck just trying to do them and feel like i've missed something and often may not get any further. But Lon allows you to get through the whole system without pressure to perform exercises during it. It is a masterful presentation and highly highly recommended. thank you!

Excellent Guide to contact with the Angels and God
Lon DuQuette has successfully developed a guide to the most powerful and complicated forms of Magick known to Mankind.

A well written and comprehensive guide detailing and expanding upon the original works of Dr. John Dee.A literal guide in what Enochian Magick is, how it works and how to work with it.

If you wish to talk to an Angel or petition God for anything - pick up this book, read and study it, practice the Angelic language and talk directly to the sources of the universe.

As a practitioner of Enochian Magick for the last 20 years, I can with all honesty state that practicing Enochian Magick will change your life in a positive manner.

In the Magickial community "Enochian" has a reputation for several things, such as, "Wonderful!", "Enlightening" and "It Works".

Interesting and understandable
Lon builds upon the work of others in bringing a complex subject to the masses.As always he writes in an interesting fashion, and makes it personal by including bits and pieces about his own journey and the characters (Dee and Kelly) who were the instruments who brought the Enochian system to this world.

Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Dr John Dee's system of Enochian magic in the Western tradition has influenced the practices of the Order of the Golden Dawn. This occult book reveals the secrets of Dee's private magical workbooks as he recorded them in the late 16th century and allows readers to reproduce his experiments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Interesting work, but not without some issues
In this book, Geoffrey James set out to deliver a sourcebook on Enochian magick.The work was originally published in 1984.

I think that this has been an important work in recent years.It is hard to imagine other scholars following James' lead without his publication of this book.

However, the work suffers from two important failings.On the first note, James lacks practical experience with the subject he writes about.This lack undermines both James' translations of the Latin portions and his claims that he is correcting the Angelic keys.Hence at best this should be seen as a work of historical and antiquarian interest, not a practical manual.

The second failing is that James does not seem to understand the philosophic schools of Dee's time and this further undermines the translations and "corrections."

I gave this work three stars because of its historical importance and because it is better to have this version than not to have any translation of this work if one is studying Dee's life.However today (24 years after the work was originally published) there are better translations out there.

A Good Extract From The Diary Material
I have used this text in working Heptarchic magic (the first of three types found in the Dee manuscripts) and found it quite useful. No book that really gets into the Dee diaries is going to be too smooth. A great many pages were lost due to unfortunate accidents, however the heart of the magic in his diaries is here. While this book is a great secondary source, Ben Rowe was right in criticizing the Latin, it certainly could have been better. [Hence the 4, rather than 5 stars] My own copy is heavily annotated. It is a book for the working magician primarily but would easily serve for the armchair esotericist as an example of the what should be looked for in an Enochian grimoire. James has condensed many separated pages of diary text into what you need to use the information in magical workings. One measure of its value is that hardcover versions - if you can find one- are selling for $300. James has not injected too much of his own interpretation into this book. It hews pretty closely to the Dee diary information. What he has done is arrange it in logical blocks as best he can so that you can find everything about a subject in one place. I recommend it as a good extract from the diary material as presented by Casaubon's - "A True & Faithfull Relation..." and Joe Peterson's "Five Books of Mystery" [and - even more directly, the British Library microfilms of Dee's actual diaries, which they are taken from].
The bibliography of source manuscripts is extensive and detailed, the one of printed sources is more modest. As James was writing 23 years ago (with a 1994 update by Llewellyn), the number of good Enochian books were understandably more limited. A good book that should be in the library of anyone planning on a serious involvement with Enochian magic.

A direct conduit into the mind of John Dee
Descriptions of John Dee's earlier work with his Enochian magick are given as well as exerpts from Dee's diaries.Much information not given in Golden Dawn sources are presented as well as a usable version of the Enochian angelic calls.A must read for anyone aspiring to practice Enochian evocation

Glue it together and call it a book
It seems this book has made a impression on folks here, well for applying the magic it would need to give more details. It feels as if the compiler of this knowlege just, threw it toghter, in the order in wich it was recived... I much prefer Tyson.

A Useful Book
James' book is basically a copy of Dee's own "grimoire" ofEnochian and Heptarchic magick, excerpted by Dee from the raw material ofhis diaries. James' translations of Latin passages have been severelycriticized by other Enochian scholars (e.g., Robert Turner) but thepassages in question do not bear much relevance to the actual practice ofthe magick. James has also "corrected" the Enochian Calls so that-- in his estimation -- the Angelic versions fit better with their Englishtranslations; these small differences do not seem to greatly affect thepotency of the Calls. His editorial intervention is otherwise minimal. ... Read more

Product Description
John Dee (1527-1608) was a noted English mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, geographer, occultist, and consultant to Queen Elizabeth I. He also devoted much of his life to alchemy, divination, and Hermetic philosophy. Dee straddled the worlds of science and magic just as they were becoming distinguishable. One of the most learned men of his time, he had lectured at the University of Paris when still in his early twenties. John was an ardent promoter of mathematics, a respected astronomer and a leading expert in navigation, having trained many of those who would conduct England's voyages of discovery (he coined the term "British Empire"). Dee was an intensely pious Christian, but his Christianity was deeply influenced by the Hermetic and Platonic-Pythagorean doctrines that were pervasive in the Renaissance. He believed that mathematics (which he understood mystically) was central to the progress of human learning. His personal library at Mortlake was the largest in the country, and was considered one of the finest in Europe, perhaps second only to that of de Thou. His works include: Navigationis Ad Cathayam... Delineato Hydrographica (1580), De Trigono (1595) and others. ... Read more

Product Description
A practical guide to Dr. John Dee’s angelic magic

• Contains instructions for performing Enochian magic meditations

• Examines John Dee’s original diaries from the British Library

• Includes a CD of Enochian calls taught to Dee by the angels

Enochian magic is a powerful, ancient system for opening portals to heavenly realms and enabling the ascent to God. The basis for many of the modern systems of magic, including the Golden Dawn, Enochian magic is named after the biblical prophet Enoch, who received the same knowledge and wisdom that was later conveyed to the astrologer to the court of Queen Elizabeth I, Dr. John Dee, by angels in the 16th century.

In The Lost Art of Enochian Magic John DeSalvo traces the history of magic--from the earliest civilizations of the Akadians and Egyptians through the Greco-Roman period and up to the present time--to reveal how magic has penetrated and influenced our religious beliefs and practices today. Through his unprecedented investigation into the angelic magic of Dr. John Dee, during which time he deciphered Dee’s original phonetic notations in the margins of Dee’s 16th-century diaries, DeSalvo learned to properly reproduce the “Enochian calls,” which act like mantras in opening higher realms and invoking angels, key to this type of magical practice. DeSalvo shows how to use Enochian magic for personal spiritual development and also as protection from negative energies. In addition to providing detailed instructions for performing the magical meditations, this book includes a CD of Enochian calls to demonstrate and guide the correct pronunciation needed to practice Enochian magic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent in this category
Great book.Detailed and specific yet concise and direct.
I highly recommend it!

I love it!
The information relayed by Dr. John DeSalvo is easy to read and digest.It's the perfect book for anyone starting or in the midst of their spiritual path.I certainly enjoyed the historical reference to Magic through the ages.I also feel that Dr.DeSalvo's perspective comes not only from his scholarly and scientific studies and education; it beams straight from his own soul, in alignment with Divine guidance.

An invaluable and greatly appreciated addition to personal and academic library Metaphysical Studies reference collections
Dedicated students of metaphysical studies will recognize John Dee as an iconic figure. In "The Lost Art of Enochian Magic: Angels, Invocations, and the Secrets Revealed to Dr. John Dee", John DeSalvo (current director of the Great Pyramid of Giza Research Association) offers a 232-page informative guide to John Dee's angelic magic, including practical instructions for performing Enochian magic meditations. This body of magic is named after the biblical prophet Enoch and was given to John Dee by angels in the 16th century. "The Lost Art of Enochian Magic" traces the history of magic beginning with the Akadians and the Egyptians, through the Greco-Roman cultures, and down to the present day. Of special note are the insights into how magic has influenced the religious beliefs and practices of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christian, Islam). Enhanced with the inclusion of a CD featuring Enochian calls demonstrating the correction pronunciation to be used when practicing Enochian rituals, "The Lost Art of Enochian Magic" will prove to be an invaluable and greatly appreciated addition to personal and academic library Metaphysical Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

It is OK, once you get to the meat...
This book's best part is its chapter on the "Enochian Meditation" which is somewhat innovative and very interesting. To get to this chapter, though, people familiar with Dee and Enochian have to suffer through several chapters of introductory material that is pretty redundant unless you are a complete beginner on the subject. For this reason the book, while a good one, was a disappointment to me because there was very little presented that was new. Even the meditation followed theories similar to those I had developed in the course of study for this magic -- though the book presented a more coherent and organized meditation than any I had come up with.

Regardless of my own disappointments, I believe that this book is worth getting. The author does have some interesting insights into the magic which are worth examining, and the meditation presented is definitely worth studying and adding to anyone's magical practices. Just don't let your expectations get too high.

Pretty basic....
I have awaited this book for some time...having pre-ordered.I am familiar with nearly all the literature published (both in hard-copy and available on internet) and had, admittedly somewhat high expectations of this work.Particularly, given the pre-publication "review" and its endorsement by the very talented Lon Milo Duquette.
I will not discuss the CD as it's well-described above.
J DeSalvo, states in the Intro that his initial aim was a description of the history of magic, but how this changed after reading LMDuQuette's Enochian Vision Magick (that IS an excellent book, btw)...
However, the author spends fully 1/3 of this slender book...on.......the history of magic!Worse still, it is such a basic discussion, that anyone with more than a fleeting exposure to the history of Magic will be at a loss at the end of the discussion.
The author is well-educated, but the writing style is quite colloquial, even conversation-like.It was a very difficult read for me.I admit, I couldnt even make it to the middle of the book.Now, I am well aware that much available magical literature can be quite difficult to assimilate (think A Crowley Book 4 or Liber Al or Arbatel or Sacred Magic of AbraMelin the Mage or, for instance Meric Casaubon's True and Faithful.....)But, These books are substantiative BECAUSE they have so much inner meaning.The opposite is not necessarily a blessing.

The incorporation of antiquities as a demonstration of a long lineage of magical amuletae is somewhat misleading....( the cylinder seal is not all that "rare" as described---yes, it is made of quartz which isnt the most common stone used, but I have 3 quartz cylinder seals myself, and its ornamentation may or may have an esoteric lean to it).It most likely is a representation of water or fish or simply an archetypal design.The "Egyptian scarab" with Christian symbolism, looks alot like a 19th century product---there exist thousands of these "Grand Tour" reproductions.) Overall, the antiquities seem to have been added as a "wow factor" but they fail to deliver and seem simply to be a reflection of the authors interest in ANE antiquities.

The book is fraught with example upon example of feelings, theories and conjectures with few if any scholarship or supporting evidence (and when it does exist, it is one-sided or his interpretation).He even makes an unconvincing case for the ANE gods "pettiness" while stating the Bible shows a God free from such gestures (ummmmmmm....the Old Testament God was never petty or vindictive????)
I read his chapter on "A Scientific Theory of Enochian" or some similar title and was profoundly dissapointed.Well, "theory" in science (and any other field, including magick) DOES NOT mean simply my personal opinion or thoughts or whimsical wanderings....It is a well-argued, evidence-based reflection, representing THE BEST EXPLANATION that exists with regards to the phenomena you are describing.For instance, the theory of relativity or theory of evolution. If it is a radical theory you had best have some substantiative arguments for your case.NONE are presented.

Unfortunately, I feel this book is simply another bottle tossed into the sea, riding the wave of new-found fascination with Enochian.....
I would recommend the following for those interested in Enochian Magic:

LM DuQuette' Enochian Vision Magic---a MUST have!!!!

Aaron Leitch's Angelic Language Vol I and II UNEQUALED Scholarship.A Masterpiece.A MUST have.

Meric Casabaun's TFR---A Facsimile...many errors, but a classic and must for any true student

Dr DeSalvo seems like a very nice man and one with a true passion for his work..But it his passions are dampened by a writing style that does not give merit to the sacred subject.The book would have benefitted greatly by a heavier (MUCH heavier) Editor's pen. ... Read more

Product Description
Dee Brestin knows many women long for Bible studies that apply the Scriptures to a woman's heart and life! The letters of John have themes which are of particular interest to women: love, fellowship, confidence, hospitality, and helping our children walk in the truth. John's letters are timeless, and he tells us that our joy will be complete as our fellowship with Christ spreads to those around us (1 John 1:4).

Women are like dominoes--our lives profoundly affect the direction of those in our circles of influence. As we experience greater fellowship with Jesus, those we love are motivated to begin maturing in their relationship with Him as well.

This guide is one of a series by Dee especially for women.

Dee Brestin ministers to the hearts of women with her speaking and writing. Besides this series of studies, she is the author of The Friendship of Women, The Lifestyles of Christian Women, And Then We Were Women (Victor), and eight Fisherman Bible studyguides (Shaw). She and her husband Steve are the parents of five children and live in Kearney, Nebraska.

Customer Reviews (2)

Challenging and Encouraging
We are using this with our women's group of 15 women.Searching God's Word for practical application as women is definitely Dee's strong point.Lots of discussion has been spurred and challenging spiritually.Thanks Dee!

Great book for group study...
We've been doing this study with a group of 12 women.It is arranged very well and offers great insights, good study questions, and is personally challenging.It has brought out a lot of life issues in our discussion and we have all really grown through this book! ... Read more

Product Description
John Dee (1527 - 1608) is most known for his work with Edward Kelley in contacting spirits and transcribing angelic language. Smith provides a clear retelling of their famous and tempestuous relationship and lays to rest some of the ridiculous stories about Dee. Charlotte Smith’s biography draws from Dee’s private diaries and several of his important works including The Book of the Mysteries and A True and Faithful Relation, bringing to light all his truly remarkable accomplishments. As a man of great learning, he fell under the suspicion of his less-gifted contemporaries and suffered rumor and even imprisonment. But for the most part, he was quite famous in his day, serving as mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer to the royal court of England. Smith credits him for initiating the creation of England’s National Library.

This is the first complete biography of the 14th-century scientist, philosopher, and magician.

Included in the book are 8 plates depicting some of Dee's works and pertinent memorabilia. ... Read more