Night Waves - The Origins of Magic Books

Bidisha explores the origins of magic books, from Ancient Egypt and medieval sorcery up to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The first ever study to tell the complete history is about to be published by Owen Davies, a specialist in modern and contemporary magic. His book traces magical literature through Kabbalah, Scandinavian witchcraft and post-war German occultism. Bidisha and guests discuss how has it was possible for magic books to survive the scientific revolution, the Enlightenment and the industrial revolution. How important were they for upholding magical traditions?