This lecture makes a survey of learned ceremonial magic in Europe throughout history and demonstrates that both of the customary claims made for it by practitioners since the Middle Ages are actually correct: that there is a continuous tradition of it and that it is ultimately derived from ancient Egypt.

In doing so, it also shows what is distinctive about Western magic.

This lecture was recorded by Ronald Hutton on 24th April 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/western-magic

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The Western Magical Tradition - Ronald Hutton