Occult London

by Merlin Coverley

London, more than any other city, has a secret history concealed from view. Behind the official façade promoted by the heritage industry lies a city of esoteric traditions, obscure institutions, and forgotten locations. Occult London rediscovers this history, unearthing the hidden city that lies beneath the known, from the Elizabethan magic of Dr. Dee and Simon Forman to the occult designs of Wren and Hawksmoor; from the Victorian London of Spring-Heeled Jack to the fin de siècle heyday of Madame Blavatsky and Aleister Crowley. This book describes these practitioners of the occult, alongside the myths and legends through which the city has always been perceived. The role of the occult within London's literary history is also outlined, while a gazetteer maps the sites of the most resonant occult locations. Merlin Coverley also examines the roots of a current revival of occult interest.

Genres: Nonfiction, London, Occult, History, Religion, Reference, Supernatural

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

A short and enjoyably non-credulous whizz through the headliners of London's occult history. Worth it for the good gazetteer and excellent bibliography.

[Icy Sedgwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating jaunt through the specific occult history of London, using famous or notorious figures like John Dee, Madame Blavatsky and Nicholas Hawksmoor to explain the little peculiarities that make London such an interesting place to live. There's enough social history to ground the work, and an interesting appendix detailing notable areas, such as Barnes Common (setting for the first sighting of Spring-Heeled Jack) or Highgate Cemetery (home to the Highgate Vampire in the 1970s). The book is written in a straightforward style, making it an easy and interesting read.

[Siri Olsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of my favourites. It was a cheap impulse buy and I don't regret getting it, but there isn't that much to say about it. It takes the reader through the occult side of London through the ages, but for me, it came across more as a collection of addresses and places to visit than an actual introduction to what makes London an occult place. Recommended for people interested in the occult history of London, but there are better books about this subject out there.

[Eugene Pustoshkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a serious penetration of the topic, just a work of entertainment.

[Timo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview to the history of London, especially from the esoteric point of view. There’s stories from Spring-Heeled Jack to Highgate Vampire, small biographies of famous London residents from Helena Blavatsky to Aleister Crowley, from John Dee to William Blake, what do Ley lines have to do with Hawksmoor churches, ancient legends about the founding of Trinovantum (New Troy), which 1000 years later became Caer Lud, Caerlundein, Londinium and finally the London we have learned to know. I’ve had many lunches and relaxing walks at the Bunhill Fields burial grounds where William and Catherine Blake were laid to rest. It’s incredible to learn about the history of my hometown and I’m planning to explore many places mentioned in the book during the next summer. There’s also tons of references and tips for further reading. If this kind of stuff is any of your interest, grab a copy of this book and dive in.

[IO · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fascinating Exploration of London's Esoteric Underworld

"Occult London" delves deep into the mystical heart of one of the world's most enigmatic cities, offering a captivating journey through its hidden realms and esoteric traditions. From ancient secret societies to modern-day practitioners, the book skillfully navigates through the labyrinthine streets of London, revealing the rich tapestry of occult knowledge and practice that lies just beneath the surface.

Coverley masterfully weaves together history, folklore, and firsthand accounts to paint a vivid portrait of London's occult landscape. Each chapter unveils a new layer of intrigue, from the eerie legends of haunted landmarks to the clandestine gatherings of occultists in the city's shadowy corners.

What sets "Occult London" apart is its meticulous attention to detail and its commitment to providing a balanced perspective on the subject matter. The author approaches each topic with a blend of scholarly rigor and genuine fascination, making the book both informative and engaging for readers of all backgrounds.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about the mysteries that lie beyond the veil, "Occult London" offers a captivating glimpse into a world that exists parallel to our own. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the hidden history of one of the world's most mystically charged cities.

[Otto Hahaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful little book about all things occult in London.

Okkulttisia juttuja Lontoossa, laajasti määriteltynä, esim. Iain Sinclairin psykomaantiede ei ihan vertaudu vaikka rouva Blavatskyn touhuihin. Ensin käydään läpi historia ja esitellään kuuluisimmat henkilöt, sitten kaupunginosien omat kummallisuudet. Liitteessä esitellään vielä asiaankuuluvat kirjakaupat.

Koska kirja on kovin ohut, niin kirja perustuu sekundäärisiin lähteisiin (osa hyvinkin uskottavia, osa aika paljon vähemmän uskottavia), jotka on toki tarkkaan kirjattu ja niihin viitataan huolellisesti kuin tieteellisemmässäkin kirjasessa. Voisi siis olla, että olet jo kuullut osan tarinoista ja ehkä lukenutkin jonkun lähdekirjoista. Mutta eipä hätää, kyllä melkein kaikki löytävät sieltä jotain uutta. Ja jos et löydä, niin tuskinpa edes harkitset koko kirjan ostamista, koska kirjastossasi ovat jo melkein kaikki tarvittavat primäärilähteet.

[Ana Moth · Rating 3 out of 5]

To my shame I know relatively little about London's occult history, even considering that half my family are from there and I was born there. But there has been plenty enough in the North to keep me occupied.

This book is very short and sweet. I really wanted a little bit more. I would have preferred it if it was three times as long, covering more things and going into more detail about them. It's set out like an encyclopedia categorised into time periods and the format did work well. There is some really fascinating stuff in here. Cloverley also managed to maintain overarching themes and ideas while exploring individual people and places. Which definitely helped create the feeling of an intricate, interconnected city.

I think this book is a very good starting point to finding out more. There are certainly several books and writers than I will be looking up now so I would recommend it to someone interested in the subject.

[Alex E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This interesting, but very short, book goes through some of the more famous aspects of occult buildings, places, and people that inhabit or once inhabited London.

I really liked the way Merlin Coverley writes, its very direct and to the point conveying the facts very concisely and also in an entertaining way. From going slightly into the history of places, to giving brief biographies of the famous occult figures of history, Coverly does a great job of engaging, but keeping the book brief.

I think the obvious complain would be the length of the book. I think wanting more is not necessarily a bad thing, and this is - after all - a pocket book, but it was still not enough for me. But I will say it sparked a curiosity to look for other books of the same or similar topic. But if you are into the occult and London, this is a match made in heaven, and a great quick read.

[Jay Rothermel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A brief book that still smacks of padding. Are 1830s Springheel Jack and 1970s Highgate vampire lore really examples of occult thought or experimentation?

Sections on usual suspects like Dee, Hawksmoor, and the millionth retelling of Aleister Crowley's pernicious influence create long passages of quicksand-like boredom.

The last chapter can be skipped by anyone who has read Coverley's book on psychogeograhy.

[K.R. Valgaeren · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Occult London’ is written by an author who knows where is talking about. It gives the reader a nice introduction about the occult history of the city, but it is rather brief, more a summary than a decent treatment on the subject. However, there is an extensive bibliography at the end of the book for readers who want to properly delve into the occult history of London.

[ABCme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating account of London's occult history from the Elizabethan age to modern day secret and less secret societies. Complemented by references and recommended reading material, bookstores and links to current websites.
A wealth of information.

[Christeen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good overview of some characters and sites associated with London's magical history - a good starting point if you just want to know a bit and are unfamiliar with anything to do with the subject.

[Trevor P. Kwain · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty summary of London's history of the occult, especially the beginning and the end, but most chapters are merely biographies with names and dates and little narrative. Not as good as "The Secret Lore of London". Bibliography useful for further research.

[Shawnee Patient · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, I gave up on this book. I was hoping for some interesting stories and anecdotes about occult happenings and history, but it felt more like a wordy map of locations. I enjoyed what I read, but didn’t feel compelled to read on.

[Barney Nuttall · Rating 4 out of 5]

More an encyclopaedia than any sort of discussion, yet what Coverly offers is regularly intriguing. It sparks a desire to explore, to walk London’s streets and peer into those murkier corners of history still so potent lying right under our noses.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit hard for me to get into.

[Webcowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

While slight, this book was comprehensive and a kick off to many future explorations. Most enjoyable!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

It never quite has the detail you want but works as a starting point for further investigation. And a few surprising titbits.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short survey book on the subject. Brief intro to figures, works, places, history, and occult bookstores in Appendix II. Well foot-noted (too well?).

[Dylan Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful if short study on the significant occult people, places, and legends that pepper London history.

[Sonia Critchlow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very long winded way of putting things. Not really much actual content of the Occult. Lots of repeating itself.

[Michael John Paul McManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get into this factual book about the Occult goings on in London, but got there in the end. Quite an interesting read.

[Bookshire Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful overview of the occult history of London, in reasonable depth to get the idea and directions for further research.

[samsam · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty cool i bought this in the watkins bookshop

[Aaron Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quaint but brief overview of the various people & places that made up the occult of London through the ages. Would have loved a more in depth history but for a casual read it does adequate.

[Samantha Eriksen-Hebron · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a slog. Not at all what I thought it was going to be about.

[Yana G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I remembered when I started and finished this book but I only now am starting to try and track my reading and actually attempt and write reviews.

I seem to have a tendency of buying books based on their cover and title alone as this was one of those books that I bought while on a trip to London with my wife. We stopped by Foyles there and one does not leave a bookshop without a book, obviously.

So, this book bought mostly because of the title as I love me some good ol’ occult. This wasn’t an in-depth history of mythologies of a more ‘recent’ London. It was more of an outline of interesting legends and stories, some of which you might have heard of some that are new to you.

I did not expect this to be a full recounting with many references and annotations but a light reading to point me in the direction of potential stories of interest and I dare say it delivered on that. The writing was, in my opinion, engaging and light enough where you can travel from story to story without too much work and still enjoy yourself along the way.

[Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I enjoyed that. Looking into aspects of London's history and intersections with some occultic happenings and he uses Peter Ackroyd as a source frequently. Covered are John Dee, William Blake, Spring Heeled Jack, Highgate Vampire, Arthur Machen, Golden Dawn, Swedenborg, Rabbi Falk, Hawksmoor and more.