The Myth of Disenchantment

This book traces the history of the myth of disenchantment in the development of philosophy, anthropology, sociology, folklore, psychoanalysis, and religious studies.

Josephson-Storm argues that the founding figures of these disciplines were not only aware of but deeply involved in the occult and spiritualist movements of their time.

He contends that the myth of a disenchanted modern world was constructed in response to these occult revivals, and that magic and enchantment have never truly disappeared from modern society.

The book provides a nuanced history of Western thought, showing that magic and secularism have coexisted and influenced each other in complex ways.