The Masonic Magician: The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite

by Philippa Faulks, Robert L D Cooper

Count Alessandro Cagliostro was a cult figure in European society in the tumultuous years leading to the French Revolution. As an alchemist, healer, and Freemason, he inspired both wild devotion and savage ridicule, becoming the subject of novels by Alexander Dumas, a drama by Goethe, and Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute . But Cagliostro’s sincere belief in the magical powers, even the immortality, of what he called the Egyptian Rite of Freemasonry made him dangerous enemies, too. In 1789, he was arrested by the Inquisition and condemned to death for heresy.
Now, the discovery of a mysterious manuscript found in the Archives of the Grand Lodge of Scotland may shine a light on Cagliostro’s secret spiritual teachings, and allow us, finally, a full understanding of his beliefs. The Masonic Magician tells Cagliostro’s extraordinary story, complete with the first English translation of the Egyptian Rite ever published. It presents the case made against him (that he was an impostor as well as a heretic), and finds that the Roman Church, and history itself, have done him a terrible injustice. This scholarly account, drawing on remarkable new documentary evidence, reveals that the man condemned was in fact a remarkable visionary and a true champion of Freemasonry—and that his teachings have much to reveal to us today.

Genres: History, Biography, Occult, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Magick

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[☘Misericordia☘ ⚡ϟ⚡⛈⚡☁ ❇️❤❣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit jumbled. Not exactly my cup of tea, even though Count Cagliostro had an extremely notorious personality.
I definitely didn't get why all the manuals on magical whatnot have been quoted here. Maybe at some point I will give this another go.
The problem is probably with me, being sort of uninterested in the intricacies of the subjet.
Q:
We have seen from the above that Masonophobia ranges from simple ridicule to genocide. The veneer of civilization is thin indeed. We have been shocked and horrified by what we have read regarding the treatment of Freemasons. This barely scratches the surface of the subject, but what we have noticed is that Freemasonry is convenient for all manner of purposes, occasions and people. The majority of Masonophobic attacks are made by those involved in religion and politics (and occasionally by people engaged in both). We wonder, as we have no supportive evidence, is that exactly why Freemasons are abused in this way – everyone knows that one of their fundamental principles is to not become involved in politics or religion? What better ‘enemy’ to attack than one that informs you, in advance, that they will not defend themselves! This is a strange attitude by anyone’s standards, yet one curiosity stands out – Freemasons have survived for at least 400 years despite all the abuse they have suffered. (c)

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book - wasn't just about Cagliostro, but early Freemasonry in general plus it gives the famous Egyptian Rite in full and explains what it all means. It was refreshing to read a book on this subject that doesn't go off into the the realms of fantasy and conspiracy theory - it treats stuff with a lot of caution. The authors have a favourable opinion of Cagliostro whilst other writers have well and truly canned him, does make me wonder about their objectivity - but nevertheless it was worth reading and there is a hell a lot of stuff you can learn from books like these.

[IO · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Masonic Magician: The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite" by Philippa Faulks is a meticulously researched biography that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of history's most enigmatic figures. Count Cagliostro, born Giuseppe Balsamo, was a charismatic and controversial figure who rose to prominence in the 18th century as a purported magician, alchemist, and Freemason. Faulks delves into Cagliostro's early life, his travels across Europe, and his involvement in various mystical and esoteric movements, including the creation of his own Egyptian Rite of Freemasonry.

Through Faulks' detailed narrative, readers are taken on a journey through the intrigue and mystery surrounding Cagliostro's life, from his purported alchemical experiments to his involvement in the infamous Affair of the Diamond Necklace. Faulks explores Cagliostro's complex relationships with the aristocracy, the Catholic Church, and the Freemasons, shedding light on the intersections between politics, religion, and occultism in 18th-century Europe.

"The Masonic Magician" offers a richly textured portrait of a man who continues to captivate the imagination centuries after his death. Faulks' meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this biography a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of Freemasonry, the occult, or the cultural landscape of the Enlightenment era.

[B. Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book on NetGalley for an honest review.

This book is an excellent introductory novel into the Freemason world. Suppose to be a critique of the infamous Count Cagliostro, it ends up being a manual of Freemasonry throughout the ages. I'm actually surprised at the amount and how far in detail Faulks and Cooper reveal concerning this secret organization. Having studied the French Enlightenment period I was not all together surprised by the connection with Masonry during this period. Magic, sigils, and secret languages, after reading this book I'm viewing everything through a more critical or open eye. The book is wonderful for those with a fascination with alchemy and the mathematical power of the immortal Universe.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book but it is not going to be for everyone. As a historical biography, I really enjoyed it. If you aren't interested in the aspects pertaining to Freemasonry, you may find yourself skipping parts of this book. If you have an interest in alchemy, early medicine, the occult, or french history, then you will probably find yourself thoroughly enjoying this book (or arguing with aspects of it from a different perspective). I deducted a star because in places, I really fell the argument fell flatter than it did in other parts. Overall, I liked it enough that I would buy it for my bookshelf and reread it.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seemed like a simple biography of the man known as Cagliostro, an alchemist and professed Freemason who was known for working miracles all around Europe and was ultimately put to death by Catholic inquisitors. The bio is brief, and the bulk of the text pertains to a brief history of Freemasonry, which sets the foundation for the first publication of Cagliostro’s own text of the Ritual for his branch of Egyptian Masonry that was recently discovered by the author. I must say, after reading this, I feel at once enlightened and perplexed with its insights and its mysteries, as the insights frequently lead to further the mysteries. Definitely will reread this in the near future.

[Alana Cash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first part of the book which is about Cagliostro's life. I did not know that the Catholic Inquisition went after Freemasons. There wasn't enough about Cagliostro's work and healing and I wish it was made plain how he was able to do that. About mid-way in the book, it because about the Masons and I was interested to a point - how the Freemasons differ from the original Masons - how masonry developed, the art of memory, etc. But I found the writing dry and too back and forth. However, I know more than I did before reading the book.

[Danielle Starke · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who is obsessed with all things freemason, this was a great read. I feel like i learned a lot and it was a light read that was enjoyable and quick. Very informative!

[Daniel Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read about an intriguing, mysterious, misunderstood, historical figure. Big thumbs up!

[Eddie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and insightful. Entertaining too.

[Maddie (Linda) Maddocks · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the end, my feeling is that he probably WAS a narcissistic fraud. I agree with Persephone's review (Amazon), written on June 8, 2016. The historical part was really interesting, and I could've done with a more creative "imagining" of the Count. I might be happier with a historical novel, or even a modern movie that would make the understandable but boring inclusion of his rite much more interesting.

Anyway it was a good introduction to a personality I couldn't believe I'd never heard of before, and I got my hard copy for only $10 at Powell's, in Portland, OR.

[DAJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The wild career of Alessandro di Cagliostro had effects that resound down to the present day, yet there aren't many recent books about him. The most extensive biography seems to be The Last Alchemist by Iain McCalman, yet it says little about the beliefs and rituals that Cagliostro promoted. Faulks and Cooper fill that gap, as the centerpiece of their book is a translation of and commentary on Cagliostro's Ritual of Egyptian Freemasonry. For people of a mystical bent, as many reviewers for this book seem to be, that's reason enough to love it. Being a more skeptical sort, I'm less satisfied with its other major feature, the biography of Cagliostro. The authors express doubt that Cagliostro was the same person as the Sicilian con artist Giuseppe Balsamo—which, as far as I can tell, no serious historian has questioned—and their chapter on Cagliostro's early life instead summarizes what he said about his own origins, which was pretty transparent fiction. His life after the age of 22 (when he met his future wife in Rome) is better documented, and Faulks and Cooper summarize it adequately, albeit with less detail and more credulity than in McCalman's book.

The discussion of Cagliostro's belief system is more valuable, if for no other reason than that it hasn't been covered elsewhere. The authors point out its resemblances to other esoteric belief systems, primarily those that were in circulation in Cagliostro's time and may have served as inspiration to him. They are far too open to the possibility that Cagliostro learned ancient Egyptian wisdom from some unidentified figure in Egypt—the only evidence that he ever visited the place is in the fictitious section of his autobiography, and there is no sign at all that a system of "Egyptian mysteries" survived the Christianization of Egypt, which was completed about 1300 years before Cagliostro's time. But overall, Faulks and Cooper's commentary on Cagliostro's ritual situates it within the context of 18th-century European esotericism, rather than straining to connect it with purported Egyptian precursors.

The academic study of Western esotericism, which is a fairly new field with lots of ground yet to cover, should devote serious attention to Cagliostro and the possible sources of his belief system. But until some scholar does so, this book, for all its faults, will be necessary to fully understand him.

[Jessie B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

More useful for its history of freemasonry and beliefs than about it's subject as the book is not terribly critical of some of the more incredible parts of Cagliosto's life.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well researched and very insightful book. A heavy read and requires some dedication to get through it, but enjoyable all the same.
This should be a necessity for anyone with an interest in historical freemasonry or Cagliostro.

[James of the Redwoods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the sections on Schaw and the Art of Memory.

[Glyn Johns]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11346459

[Mark Fuller · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting read but a bit repetitive. Lots of the information is based on conjecture which is a shame as the subject matter is interesting in its on right.

[Manuel]

So far so good...

[Stuart Condie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cracking read with just the right mixture of gripping historical mystery and learned treatise on the ritual itself. Cagliostro is a figure whose appeal continues; I'm sure the authors will have noted his namecheck in the recent Dr Strange film for example. Although it's clear that the authors feel strongly that their subject was maligned, they allow the doubts about his origins, sincerity and motivation a fair airing, never allowing the book to descend into hagiography. Reading this book has rekindled my interest in the Enlightenment and in the French Revolution and added significantly to my list of books to get hold of and read.