Secrets of a Real Magician

Do you have to sell your soul to the Devil to master the magic arts? Find out in this true-life account of the secrets of a real Renaissance magician. Set in a time of witchcraft trials and magical adventure, "a work of meticulous scholarship" and "a gripping page-turner".

Faustus: The Life and Times of a Renaissance Magician

Introduction

... a work of meticulous scholarship... a gripping page-turner.

Professor Osman Durrani, University of Kent
Author of Faust: Icon of Modern Culture

It took four long years of intense research and passion to produce. After several major publishing houses took a keen interest in the manuscript, the result has now been published by the UK's largest history publisher as Faustus: The Life and Times of a Renaissance Magician.

This book – Faustus – is the sum of four years of my life, the result of thousands of kilometres of field trips, the distillation of a million pages of centuries of research and writing...

The Missing Biography

Five hundred years ago a legend was born of a man who sold his soul to the Devil for the greatest prize and paid the ultimate price. Since then Faustus has become a key figure in European culture, inspiring some of the greatest artistic talents to produce their most valued work across all genres.

In five hundred years no one has written a biography of Faustus. Until now.

...the most thorough treatment of the Renaissance magus Faust, Leo Ruickbie’s Faustus...

Dan Harms, author of The Cthulhu Mythos Encyclopedia

Five Hundred Years of Misrepresentation

The seeker after forbidden knowledge is lured into signing a pact with the Devil. He enjoys the fruits of his deal in wild adventures, riotous high-living and in the arms of the most beautiful woman who ever lived, but cannot escape his end in the clutches of Satan. That is the story according to the legend. But is it the real story?

Leo Ruickbie's solid tome does something unexpected. It rehabilitates someone with one of the worst reputations in history.

Pagan Dawn, Beltane 2009, p. 48

A Sixteenth Century Scandal

Faustus was a sixteenth century scandal, to be sure. He claimed to be the greatest living master of the forbidden art of necromancy who, with his magic, could rival all of the miracles allegedly performed by Jesus. He evoked uproar amongst his contemporaries and was accused of the worst crimes and character traits that they could imagine. Ever since the judgement of history has been against him and it has been wrong. Who was the real Faustus and how did he get such a bad reputation?

Investigating the lures and dangers of astrology, magic, and devil pacts, Leo Ruickbie succeeds in reconstructing the events that reflect the birth and progress of the Faustian myth, and the man behind it.

Professor Frank Baron, University of Kansas
Author of Faustus: From History to Legend

Historical Value

• First biography of Faustus
• True identity of Faustus revealed
• First critical re-evaluation of Faustus
• Reveals new aspects of Renaissance history
• Unearths the truth behind one of the most important legends

Invaluable to Students and Teachers

For everyone studying and teaching English Literature, German Literature, History, Religious Studies and Philosophy:

• Gives the historical background to Marlowe and Goethe
• Gives new insights into the history of the Renaissance
• Explores the interplay between magic and religion in a critical period of religious change

Faustus: The Life and Times of a Renaissance Magician interweaves the debates, scandals and crises of the day with the career of Faustus to tell a rich and vivid story of the Renaissance.

... a fascinating read... with meticulous attention to detail.

Pagan Dawn, Beltane 2009, p. 48

Explore Faustus

• What's it about?
• "A gripping page-turner..." - Prof Osman Durrani
• "A fascinating read" - Pagan Dawn
• "The most thorough treatment" - Dan Harms
• Table of Contents
• Search the index (extended)
• Is it Time to Sell Your Soul? | Watkins Review Article | Dealing with the Devil

Discover the secrets of Faustus

Europe: Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.de | Amazon.fr North America: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca Asia: Amazon.jp

Keywords

Faustus, Faust, magic, black magic, alchemy, astrology, necromancy, witchcraft, grimoires, Germany, Renaissance, sixteenth century, Goethe, Marlowe, biography, history, folklore, legend, Devil, Mephistopheles, pact, damnation, soul

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