The Encyclopedia of the Occult

Lewis Spence’s reference work gathers information on occult sciences, magic, demonology, spiritism, mysticism and metaphysics. Its entries range across astrology, alchemy, witchcraft, clairvoyance, ghosts, secret societies and accounts of psychic phenomena, alongside figures associated with occult thought and practice.

First published in 1920 and later reissued as The Encyclopedia of the Occult, the book reflects the period’s broad interest in esoteric traditions and psychical research. It treats magical beliefs, spiritualist claims and supernatural reports as subjects for reference, bringing together material on personalities, doctrines, rituals and recurring ideas across Western occult culture.