Astrology

by Louis MacNeice

Provides a balanced treatment of the subject discussing its sometimes disreputable history, its disciples and critics as well as astrological predictions

Genres: Astrology

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1964

About the author

Born to Irish parents in Belfast, MacNeice was largely educated in English prep schools. He attended Oxford University, there befriending W.H. Auden.

He was part of the generation of "thirties poets" which included W. H. Auden, Stephen Spender and Cecil Day-Lewis; nicknamed "MacSpaunday" as a group — a name invented by Roy Campbell, in his Talking Bronco (1946). His body of work was widely appreciated by the public during his lifetime, due in part to his relaxed, but socially and emotionally aware style. Never as overtly (or simplistically) political as some of his contemporaries, his work shows a humane opposition to totalitarianism as well as an acute awareness of his Irish roots.

Reviews

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've only finished the 2nd chapter, but I'm hooked. I am really enjoying this book. I had ordered it on a lark. I saw it on Dark Shadows - Sebastian Shaw gave it to Elizabeth Collins to read while he was doing her horoscope. Elizabeth found it fascinating. Just for fun I looked it up on Amazon to see if it was a real book and if so, if it was still in print or available. It was! I only paid $3 + shipping - not even $7. It's hardcover and in great condition. As I said, I only ordered it on a lark. I'm glad I did.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

MacNiece spends a lot of time debunking astrology and then tells us he has a "new angle." Problem
is I just wasn't convinced. Great pictures and good history though.

[AyferS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explaning the process of Astrological thought in a simple, clear way.

[Chanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Goodreads tagline for this one makes it sound absolutely bonkers, but this is a great starter astrology reference. I got it from my Pa (hailing from his bookshelf in the late 60s!), and it's fascinating. Plus, the artwork in here is awesome.

[Fionnbharr Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing you have to know about this book is that MacNeice was very much a jobbing writer, and as such took any commission he could get his hands on. That being said, this is an interesting overview of the history of the practice.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly MacNeice's least known book, and about his last. Fascinating at times, at other times the usual kind of stuff you get in an introductory book on astrology.