Really flamboyant writing heavy with catholic theology.

It was written from the rigidly dogmatic and pompous authority of a catholic priest, Levi should have just continued down that path as it is clearly where his heart was.

At times he assumes too much, that the reader is on the same page and is well versed in history. It is evidently unconscionable to him that one could have a different opinion or world-view other than his own. Other times, he assumes the reader is completely ignorant and thus he really twists and embellishes historical events. He actually misquoted quite frequently and cited the books of origin, assuming his trusted flock of readers would never dare question him or check to verify. He was so bigoted and disdainful for some groups, he was incapable of objectivity and sometimes the truth.

Thankfully, AE Waite provides very detailed footnotes challenging his remarks, revealing the truth amongst Levi's Abrahamic fog. He does come off as pedantic, but you could really feel his frustration.

There are some interesting tidbits buried within these 528 pages, but not enough to recommend that someone trudges through this most frustrating book.

Hermeticism is boring and this book is a proof. I think Asian magic is a lot more fun than Western occult.