The Occult

Colin Wilson’s The Occult surveys occult ideas through psychology, history and accounts of paranormal experience. Its opening section considers creativity, psychic sensitivity and the possibility that the subconscious mind can access forces normally beyond conscious awareness.

The historical chapters discuss figures including Nostradamus, John Dee, Cagliostro, Franz Mesmer, Aleister Crowley and Gurdjieff, placing their reputations within wider traditions of magic and esoteric thought. Wilson then turns to witchcraft, werewolves, vampirism and the history of spiritualism, alongside reports involving ghosts and poltergeists. The closing discussion examines metaphysical questions arising from occult beliefs, including the nature of time and claims about latent human powers.