17 APRIL 1964, Page 13

For those, however, who have the full courage of their

puerility and are prepared to venture beyond Gentle Jesus to the Baron Samedi or the Great Beast, Maurice Bessy's A Pictorial History- of Magic and the Supernatural should prove a useful handbook. Three hundred and seventeen pages of black-and-white illustrations, accompanied by brief and lucid expository para- graphs, cover most magical practices from the Egyptian mysteries down to table-turning. Witch- craft and black masses are well represented, as is that equivocal association, the Order of Knights Templar. Reticent handling of sexual initiations, but some jolly pictures of frolicking witches; and a strong line in sacrificial procedure. All in all, excellent value for only a guinea; Dr. Faustus paid a far higher price.

SIMON RAVEN