Occult London

Occult London traces the capital’s occult traditions from the Elizabethan period to the present day, bringing together magic, Kabbalah, secret organisations, urban legends and forgotten locations. Merlin Coverley discusses figures including Dr John Dee, Simon Forman, Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor, Spring-Heeled Jack, Madame Blavatsky and Aleister Crowley, treating their beliefs and reputations as part of London’s cultural history.

The book also considers occult themes in London’s literature and examines the modern revival of interest in esoteric ideas, including New Age philosophies and psychogeography. Four themed walks cover occult associations from different periods, while an A-to-Z gazetteer identifies locations linked with the city’s magical, mystical and legendary past.