The Book of Forbidden Knowledge: Black Magic, Superstition, Charms, and Divination

by Johnson Smith & Company, Tarl Warwick (Editor)

This work is one of a number of manuscripts crafted towards the end of the 1800s well into the 1920s containing material related to all aspects of the occult; mesmerism, ceremonial magic, the black arts, talismans, and more. What is interesting, here, is that all of the above and more are contained in one work, instead of separately. Speaking of everything from fortune telling to folk healing, the Book of Forbidden Knowledge is perhaps better classed as a modern grimoire than most contemporary works of similar origin; the paper covers of any of a number of competing Victorian and Edwardian era titles.

Genres: Occult, Magic, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Magick, Philosophy

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 1910

Reviews

[Melinda]

First of all, there is absolutely nothing “forbidden” about the information in this book. Let’s just get that out of the way now. But for the record, I initially bought it in part because it was “forbidden”. I read banned books too. I know, I know, I’m living on the wild side. I’ve been a thorn in my mother’s side from the moment I was born.

What was I saying? Oh right, the book review. This silly little volume was a super quick read and contains what amounts to a bunch of ridiculous superstitions and vague “spells” one can try if so inclined, but I think the value in it is more as a historical document and research piece. It was clearly compiled in the early 20th century as the cover proclaims, but the beliefs outlined within it likely come from the previous century or further back.

As such, it’s perfect for me as source/research material for my own writing. My mind and imagination are almost always 2/3rds of the way back in the 18th and 19th centuries as they are the periods that spark my interest most. Very occasionally I’ll float as far back as the 14th century. Variety is the spice of life, right? It makes functioning in the 21st century a little odd, but at least in the past there was no such thing as Donald Trump or his cronies. (Sorry/not sorry)

The point of my rambling is that I know I will be using some of the info from this booklet in my novel so I’m thankful for that. I’m only rating 3 stars because the organization was a little obtuse and if I didn’t write historical fiction but picked this up just to read, I probably would be disappointed.

In other words, if you’re a history nerd like me and fascinated by occult history, it’s a super quick read and kind of interesting, but otherwise, it’s not worth running to Amazon or your favorite brick and mortar store to dig it up.

There. I knew I could wrap that up. 🤪

[Sauerkirsche]

Also "forbidden" ist hier gar nichts. Es handelt sich um eine Aufzählung von historischem Volksglauben und den magischen Ritualen welche die Leute damals durchgeführt haben. Darunter sind ganz simple Dinge, die sich teilweise bis heute erhalten haben oder zumindest noch bekannt sind wenn auch nicht mehr oder kaum praktiziert werden, wie das Wahrträumen indem man bestimmte Pflanzen unter das Kopfkissen legt und unzählige Rituale die jungen Mädchen helfen sollen ihren zukünftigen Bräutigam zu entdecken.
Als geschichtliches Zeugnis ist diese winzige Sammlung ganz ok und eignet sich auch zur geschichtlichen Recherche, sei es für eine Abhandlung, einen historischen Roman, oder einfach für ein PnP-Spiel.

[Elli Toney]

Interesting piece of history, but nothing more

Written by a Johnson and Co, this is little more than a novelty item written for housewives and is of no more value than a newspaper horoscope. However, it is entertaining due to its place in history after the esoteric writings from the 19th century and before the new age movement.

[Anwesh Ganguli]

It is a book of all sorts of rituals and how they are done or what dreams mean. Tried it on for size, didn't fit!

[Andrea]

Full of old superstations and ways to find your future husband... Rather Christian-y and nothing really dark in it. I managed to get about 1/3 of the way through this book before the old fashion writing started to hurt my head and the content more so, causing me to skim a lot.

[Victoria Metcalf]

Great title

I found it entertaining to a point. More attention to layout and design would help the reader focus on the information. Knowing more about why each topic was chosen would make for more interest.

[Harry Palacio]

A grimoire of black magic spells talismans and magic tricks

[Silver Fire]

Absolute garbage and a waste of money. Nothing but fear mongering gibberish of olden time hysteria. Not worth it at all.

[Alexander Duncan]

I love this book. I read it when I was ten (1964-65), and it was my first "spiritual" book, using the word somewhat loosely. I loved the aesthetic and it awakened my imagination. In subsequent years I studied astrology, esotericism, shamanism, Jungian psychology, yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, UFOlogy, etc. and finally wrote 14 books on these topics, some of which you will find in Goodreads, two websites, and am a major Quora contributor (788 answers).

[Rudonna Sutton kiskaden]

Good read

Very interesting lots of things to think about.
Opens eyes to other things.Really enjoyed the part about Oricales.A good value.

[Pilar]

Wonderful inventive to keep the candid hopeful.

[Chelsea]

Well this wasnt a great read but it was ok. Considering back in the 1800s this stuff was taboo it is interesting to see how a few tricks were done,old wives tells were told ,and old sayings were said. Apparently the man who wrote this book just gathered up information on anything from remedies, fortune telling, magic tricks and ect, and wrote this little book

[Anne Lydolf]

This book was a bit of a chore to read, despite its very short length. It is poorly organised, with the same or similar advice listen many times in various chapters. and has spelling mistake after spelling mistake. However it did offer an exciting look into the superstition of the 1910's.

[Kim Plasket]

I got the book because I am an Author and wanted to check out a few things about spells etc. I enjoyed it even though it was really easy to read. I will use it from time to time when I need to write something that has "forbidden" information plus I will read it for fun.

[Melissa Fultz]

Satan

Thank you for handing over the key to hell from Daddy. Also, I just want to say most of this is about how to challenge me to the rights of Black Magic rather than teach me of myself. -Lucifer

[Amanda Zamorano]

This is a fun gift to give someone with witchy interests. I flipped through and it is very suitable for the era this is dated. But, Id consider it more of a "coffee table" piece for conversation than anything really substantial.

[melisa martin]

Blah

Not realistic for our times..I am even doubtful of the content...not for someone wanting current know how..good history, I guess

[Sara Joy warne]

Interesting read I liked it

I appreciated the culture and history of the book for sure. It’s worth checking out for its legacy alone it’s worth it

[Julie]

Some of it was hilarious. It wasn't what I expected but at the same time I enjoyed reading about these superstitions and stuff.

[Manisha Hochauer]

Meh.

[Callum Laing]

10/10

[TIPHANIE]

This book is awesome ‼️ It is a very good addition to add your library ‼️ I love this book‼️

[Amanda Castagnoli]

Wild. Interesting for research though.

[Electric]

A fun little collection of superstitions, charms, divination, and black magic from the 1910's.
Knocking on wood, spilled salt, and pins from a bride, among many others. A lot of charms re: robbery.

[River]

Irrelevant to modern magic

[Alex]

just author talking very Protestant Christian

Not at all I wanted was written by new age Christian’s no offense but waste of time and a buck fifty

[MR Brown]

Dumb.
If you're going to read this anyways skip chapter 3.

[Felicia]

You can read this in an hour and you will not be any more knowledgeable. It’s interesting if you’re into occult practices but that’s about it

[Constantia Munda]

Hard to read - publisher should have reformatted text and margins.

Generic Knowledge - nothing special or new.

[Julie Morgan]

3 stars because I loved the history. Not 5 stars because it's not for me.