Do you believe in magic?: the search for wonder, from sorcery to science

Who doesn't need a little magic in their lives? This science-based but open-minded offering considers various supernatural activities, such as curses, spells, alchemy, fortune-telling, superstitions, and mind reading, in thoughtful, essay-like chapters backed up by copious chapter notes. The book opens with a quote from Arthur C. Clarke, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," and the text keeps circling back to this theme. After a magical art is introduced and defined, the text reveals related contemporary, historical, social, and scientific developments that show how the practice has evolved over time. Then various aspects are analyzed to see what ancient and medieval conjurers got right (if anything). The overall tone is tolerant and respectful, acknowledging the never-ending desire to understand the seemingly unexplainable and the power of suspending disbelief. The text is engaging, whether pointing out similarities between ancient Egyptian dependence on both surgery and amulets or the use of contemporary placebos, and frequent digital illustrations reflect the book's fun spirit. This will be equally palatable to skeptics, true believers, and the curious.

Who doesn't need a little magic in their lives? This science-based but open-minded offering considers various supernatural activities, such as curses, spells, alchemy, fortune-telling, superstitions, and mind reading, in thoughtful, essay-like chapters backed up by copious chapter notes. The book opens with a quote from Arthur C. Clarke, Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, and the text keeps circling back to this theme. After a magical art is introduced and defined, the text reveals related contemporary, historical, social, and scientific developments that show how the practice has evolved over time. Then various aspects are analyzed to see what ancient and medieval conjurers got right (if anything). The overall tone is tolerant and respectful, acknowledging the never-ending desire to understand the seemingly unexplainable and the power of suspending disbelief. The text is engaging, whether pointing out similarities between ancient Egyptian dependence on both surgery and amulets or the use of contemporary placebos, and frequent digital illustrations reflect the book's fun spirit. This will be equally palatable to skeptics, true believers, and the curious. Grades 5-8. Copyright 2024 Booklist Reviews.