The book of English magic is a literary work that explores the history and practice of magic in England. Written by Philip Carr-Gomm and Richard Heygate, the book acts as a comprehensive guide to the world of English magic, touching upon various aspects such as folklore, mythology, and occult practices. The book begins by delving into the ancient roots of English magic, tracing its origins to the prehistoric times. It discusses how magic was an integral part of the culture and belief system of the Celts and the Druids who inhabited the British Isles. Moving forward, the book explores the development of English magic during the medieval period with the rise of Christianity. It looks at how the church attempted to suppress magic, but failed to eradicate its influence completely.
Each chapter also includes mini biographies of important people in the history of the subject. In this chapter, he includes John Aubrey, William Stukeley, Alfred Watkins and John Mitchell.
p28 They also advise the reader to look at old tithe maps that were drawn up in the time of the Enclosure Acts, as they may include tracks that are no longer there. Treadwell s in London s Covent Garden is everything a bookshop should be- warm, inviting, comfortable- and yet most people hurry past it, because it specialises in a subject they don t believe in magic.
It looks at how the church attempted to suppress magic, but failed to eradicate its influence completely. Instead, a unique form of magic evolved, combining elements of traditional practices with Christian beliefs. The authors then delve into the Renaissance period, a time when English magic experienced a resurgence.
The Book of English Magic - by Philip Carr-Gomm & Richard Heygate (Paperback)
Have you ever wanted to know more about alchemy, mix up a herbal remedy, dowse for water, perform a spell, or find out more about "second sight"? Did the Harry Potter books ignite your curiosity about wizardry?
Book Synopsis
Through experiments to try and places to visit, as well as a historical exploration of magic and interviews with leading magicians, Philip Carr-Gomm and Richard Heygate's The Book of English Magic will introduce you to the extraordinary world that lies beneath the surface.
Magic runs through the veins of English history, part of daily life from the earliest Arthurian legends to Aleister Crowley to the novels of Tolkien and Philip Pullman, and from the Druids to Freemasonry and beyond.
Richly illustrated and deeply knowledgeable, this book is an invaluable source for anyone curious about magic and wizardry or for sophisticated practitioners wanting to learn more.
"This book is never less than gripping . . . the otherworld beckons." --Daily Mail
Review Quotes
"For readers of works like "Harry Potter" who have grown up a bit into wanting to know more." "The Hermetic Library"
"Lucid and wonderfully easy to read While it is indeed a perfect book for the 'intelligent novice' it s far more than that it s a serious, in-depth survey of a massive topic. "WitchVox"
"An accessible and immensely readable book A fascinating insight into a hidden world. Booksquawk"
"Lucid and wonderfully easy to read. While it is indeed a perfect book for the 'intelligent novice' it's far more than that- it's a serious, in-depth survey of a massive topic."--"WitchVox"
"An accessible and immensely readable book. A fascinating insight into a hidden world."---Booksquawk
"A use-friendly primer. A magical mystery tour, for readers who want to get a little deeper into magic, there are well informed suggestions."
-"The Times"
"A fabulous array."
-"Daily Express"
"A use-friendly primer. a magical mystery tour, for readers who want to get a little deeper into magic, there are well informed suggestions."--"The Times"
"A fabulous array."--"Daily Express"
"As a practitioner of the arts for nearly three decades, I can truthfully say that there is very, very little about magical practice that is not addressed at some point in this book. The writers distinguish themselves as being extremely educated and reliable in their historical accuracy. beautiful collection of interesting and useful information. It is extremely readable and one can easily leaf through any of the pages and find a mesmerizing bit of info that will keep you intrigued for much longer than you originally intended. "The Book of English Magic" makes a wonderful reference material or personal submersion into the world of magic. You will learn more than you ever imagined possible and sometimes have to literally put the book down for a few minutes to process whatr
About the Author
Philip Carr-Gomm is a writer and psychologist. He trained with Ross Nichols, the founder of the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, and has led the Order for over twenty years. He has written for CNN s Belief Blog.
Sir Richard Heygate is a co-author of "Endangered Species.""
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The book covers influential figures such as Dr. John Dee, an astrologer and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, who played a significant role in popularizing magical practices during this era. As the book progresses, it delves into the world of folklore and the magical creatures that populate English mythologies. It looks at entities such as fairies, witches, and magical animals, exploring their origins, characteristics, and the role they play in English magical traditions. The book also discusses various magical practices and rituals, providing insights into divination, herbal magic, and spell casting. It explores the significance of magical tools such as wands, amulets, and talismans, shedding light on their uses and symbolism. Furthermore, the book goes beyond the realm of mythology and folklore to explore the role of magic in literature and art. It looks at how magic has inspired renowned authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and influenced classic works of literature like "The Canterbury Tales" and "Macbeth." In conclusion, "The book of English magic" offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of English magical traditions. It provides a historical and cultural context, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence that magic has had on English folklore, literature, and society throughout the ages..
Reviews for "The Book of English Magic: Tales of Wizards and Witches"
1. Lily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The Book of English Magic" as I'm a fan of both history and magic. However, I found this book to be quite disappointing. It's poorly organized and jumps between different topics without any clear connection. The writing style is also quite dry and lacks the magic it promised. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity and I was left wanting more.
2. Mark - 1 star - "The Book of English Magic" was a complete waste of time for me. The book claimed to delve into the rich history of English magic, but I found it to be nothing more than a hodgepodge of random trivia and anecdotes. The writing was convoluted and difficult to follow, making it hard to fully grasp the subject matter. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of English magic.
3. Emily - 3 stars - I had high hopes for "The Book of English Magic" but unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. While the book had some interesting information about the history of magic in England, it lacked depth and felt incomplete. The author seemed to touch on various aspects of English magic without fully exploring them, leaving me unsatisfied. Additionally, the writing style was a bit dry and lacked the captivating storytelling I was hoping for. Overall, an average read that didn't fully deliver on its promise.
4. James - 2 stars - As a fan of magic and history, I was intrigued by "The Book of English Magic." However, I found the book to be quite dull and repetitive. The author seemed more focused on listing various events and facts rather than providing a cohesive narrative. The lack of engaging storytelling left me feeling disconnected from the subject matter. While there were some interesting tidbits here and there, they were not enough to redeem the book for me. Overall, a missed opportunity to explore the fascinating world of English magic in a compelling way.