Grimoires: A History of Magic Books by Owen Davies is a comprehensive study tracing the evolution of spellbooks and occult manuals from the ancient Middle East through to modern America. It highlights how these books were created as tools for practical magic—including amulets, curses, and spirit communication—and have been both feared and treasured across history. This book is described as a well-researched, detailed academic work that shows how these "forbidden books" are central to understanding the human desire to control destiny through magical means.