The author of the book is a famous French magician, occult philosopher, poet and bibliophile of the late 19th century, the creator of the Kabbalistic Order of the Rose + Cross (the head of the Russian branch of which was the famous occultist G.O.M.) - enjoys the dark reputation of a Satanist, poisoner and sorcerer; some even believe he played in the 19th century. the same role that Aleister Crowley played in the 20th century. The titles of his books will always shock both the “good Christian” and the well-intentioned “right-hand” neo-spiritualist. This collection includes his “Essays on the Accursed Sciences” and “The Temple of Satan” (the first part of the “Serpent of Genesis” trilogy). The short life (1861–1897) of the fearless exposer of the dark sides of the occult ended, according to his student and colleague Papus, as a result of a hostile magical attack. And it is very likely that such an attack was caused by the content of his books: after all, what Guaita described is not safe to make public. For the first time, we introduce the Russian reader to one of the brightest figures of French esotericism and his incredibly deep and mysterious works, which sometimes acquire almost detective-like entertainment.