Colin Wilson, a renowned British author, became fascinated with the occult during his early years. His interest in this subject led him to delve deeper into the mysteries of the unknown. The occult, which refers to supernatural phenomena or supernatural practices, encompasses a wide range of topics such as magic, divination, astrology, alchemy, and the study of psychic abilities. Wilson's exploration of the occult began with his book "The Occult: A History," which he co-wrote with Donald Seaman. In this book, Wilson and Seaman examine various occult practices throughout history and how they have influenced society. They delve into the world of ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians and the Greeks, and their beliefs in gods, spirits, and magic.
These words were pertinent as I recalled reading The Occult for the first time in 1984, and compared it to my impressions upon re-reading it more than a quarter of a century later to write about it here. I feel it important to bring up this personal aspect to this first commissioned book of Wilson’s, which he himself hesitated in writing, as the subject was such dangerous territory for a serious writer. Indeed, Robert Graves had advised Wilson against doing the book.
Alberto Manguel, in his preface to A Reader on Reading, Yale University Press, 2010 , writes this about the act of reading What we believe a book to be reshapes itself with every reading. But unlike with Manguel, although the intervening years from my first reading once again strengthened my scepticism I again began to return to many of the same conclusions about the book as I had in 1984.
They delve into the world of ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians and the Greeks, and their beliefs in gods, spirits, and magic. One particular aspect of the occult that interested Wilson was the idea of the "outsider." He believed that certain individuals, who he described as outsiders, possessed a heightened sense of perception and intuition.
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These outsiders often found themselves outside the norms of society due to their unique perspectives and abilities. Wilson argued that many of history's greatest thinkers, artists, and visionaries, such as Nietzsche, Van Gogh, and Rimbaud, were outsiders who tapped into this otherworldly knowledge. Wilson's interest in the occult extended beyond historical analysis. He explored various occult practices in his own life, including rituals, meditation, and psychic experiences. His firsthand experiences with the occult, combined with his extensive research, allowed him to provide a unique perspective on this esoteric subject matter. Throughout his career, Wilson wrote numerous books on the occult, including "The Occult," "Mysteries," and "Beyond the Occult." These books not only provided readers with a comprehensive understanding of the occult but also offered practical advice on how to explore and tap into one's own hidden potential. Colin Wilson's contributions to the study of the occult have greatly influenced the field. His books have become essential resources for those interested in delving deeper into the mysteries of the unknown. Wilson's ability to combine scholarship with personal experiences has allowed him to bring the occult to a wider audience, helping to dispel misconceptions and encourage further exploration of this captivating subject matter..
Reviews for "From Atlantis to Aleister Crowley: Colin Wilson's Occult Interests Examined"
1. John - 2 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "The Occult" by Colin Wilson. While the topic seemed interesting, the execution fell short. The book was filled with vague speculations and unfounded claims, lacking any substantial evidence or research. Wilson seemed more focused on creating sensationalism rather than providing a comprehensive analysis of the occult. Overall, I found it to be a shallow and poorly constructed book.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "The Occult" by Colin Wilson was a complete waste of time. I expected a thought-provoking exploration of the subject, but instead, all I got was a mishmash of half-baked ideas and wild theories. Wilson's writing style was convoluted and tedious, making it difficult to follow his train of thought. The book lacked coherence and failed to provide any meaningful insights into the occult. I regret wasting my money on this poorly written and intellectually unsatisfying book.
3. David - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Occult" by Colin Wilson but was ultimately disappointed. The author seemed more interested in pushing his own belief system rather than objectively examining the subject. His arguments were often weak and his sources questionable. Wilson portrayed the occult as something inherently evil and dangerous, failing to consider the many positive aspects and historical significance of the occult practices. Overall, the book lacked depth and impartiality.
4. Lisa - 1 star - I found "The Occult" by Colin Wilson to be a deeply flawed and biased book. Wilson's extreme skepticism and dismissive tone towards any belief or practice related to the occult made it difficult to take his arguments seriously. The book was filled with unsubstantiated claims and lacked any credible evidence. Wilson seemed more interested in debunking and ridiculing the occult rather than providing a balanced and nuanced analysis. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the occult.