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Title: Occult America

Subtitle: The Secret History of How Mysticism Shaped Our Nation

Author: Mitch Horowitz

Narrator: Paul Michael Garcia

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-08-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 166 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

Focusing on the impact that the 19th-century movements of Freemasonry, Spiritualism, and transcendentalism have had on America, Horowitz portrays a colorful cast of characters as he explains the origins of the Ouija board, the political influence of Spiritualism on the Senate, and the source of the mysterious slogan on the back of the dollar bill.

Critic Reviews:

"What a fascinating book. So it happens that another equally compelling take on our complicated national narrative lies just beneath the surface of things, not the grand procession of presidents, generals, and wars but something more hidden, more mysterious, but often no less revealing." (Ken Burns, award-winning documentary filmmaker)

Members Reviews:

Exploring America's spiritualist roots

Those serious about understanding America and Americans will find Occult America a fascinating and indispensable addition to their libraries. This book fills in some puzzling blanks in the nation's history as it is usually told, exploring the realities and personalities behind the Burned-Over District, Mesmerism, the importation of Eastern philosophy, and even the Ouija Board. Horowitz argues convincingly that spiritualism and mysticism never served as mere sideshows as American society developed, but rather they shaped profoundly the way we think today.

The book will perhaps find its most appreciative audience among readers who, like me, are "not typically given to occult enthusiasms" (as the author describes one mid-20th century writer), yet hope to understand the origins of the New Age philosophies that now run through so much of American thinking. Listening to Occult America, I was repeatedly impressed at Horowitz's ability to recount the course and effects of spiritualism in America without falling into either of the side-by-side traps of open-minded credulity or of snooty dismissiveness. The writing is lively and witty, and Paul Michael Garcia's narration matches the style and the subject well.

Fascinating Summary

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to friends because it summarizes the roots of the occult in America.

What did you like best about this story?

I saw the roots of what is now the occult. I also learned details that I had not know before.

Any additional comments?

I was curious to hear about the darker side of the occult as I know its out there and most likely related to what was discuss. I know there is a whole practice related to Aliester Crowley, which is only mentioned in passing in this book several times. There are other occult practices that have large followings as well that were not discussed and, again, most likely come out of what was discussed.

Loved It.

So far, the best esoteric book I've found here yet.

Just wish it was longer and went into even greater depth. Some times it seems like it is giving a Cliff Notes overview, other times it goes into exhaustive depth.

Will buy the book when it comes out in paperback this October.

Wish someone would make 'Secret Teaching Of All Ages' an audio book.

Great History of Modern New Age Movement and Ideas

This book is not what I expected.