The Magic Island is a book written by William Seabrook, an American journalist and adventurer, published in 1929. In this book, Seabrook recounts his travels to Haiti and his experiences with Voodoo practices. Seabrook was initially drawn to Haiti because of his fascination with the occult and the supernatural. He had heard tales of the mysterious rituals and ceremonies performed by Voodoo priests, and he was determined to witness them firsthand. With this in mind, he embarked on a journey to the Caribbean island, eager to uncover its secrets. Upon arriving in Haiti, Seabrook was immediately captivated by the country's rich culture and history.

The Magic Island

1929. The author's West Indian mail boat lay at anchor in a tropical green gulf. At the water's edge, lit by sunset, sprawled the town of Cap Haitien. Among the modern structures were the wrecked mansions of the 16th century French colonials who imported slaves from Africa and made Haiti the richest colony in the western hemisphere. In the ruins was the palace built for Pauline Bonaparte when Napoleon sent his brother-in-law with an imperial army to do battle with slaves who had won their freedom. All this was panoramic as they lay at anchor, but as night fell, it faded to vagueness and disappeared. Only the jungle mountains remained, dark, mysterious; and from their slopes came presently far across the water the steady boom of Voodoo drums.

Genres HorrorNonfictionZombiesHistoryClassicsFolkloreAnthropology

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1929

About the author

William B. Seabrook

William Buehler Seabrook was a journalist and explorer whose interest in the occult lead him across the globe where he studied magic rituals, trained as a witch doctor, and famously ate human flesh, likening it to veal. Despite his studious accounts of magical practices, he insisted he had never seen anything which could not be explained rationally.

His book on witchcraft is notable for its thoughtful focus on arch-occultist Aleister Crowley, who stayed at Seabrook's home for a short time.

Upon arriving in Haiti, Seabrook was immediately captivated by the country's rich culture and history. He delved into the world of Voodoo, immersing himself in its rituals and traditions. Through his interactions with Voodoo priests and practitioners, he gained insight into their beliefs, practices, and worldview.

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The Magic Island supposedly introduced the zombie to the west, which is why I decided to read it.

The early zombie flicks definitely reflect the racial tension and American paternalism of Seabrook's travelogue. There is weird mix of disregard and respect for Haitians in his tone. The illustrations are horribly racist, so much so that I had to fold the pages because I felt really gross for looking at them. Seabrook supports the idea of overall white superiority and condescends to black Haitians. But he was also willing to hang out with black peasants, and he gives a decent amount of press to a discourse on race politics from a member of the black aristocracy.

It's difficult for me to say whether I liked the book or not because of Seabrook's attitude toward black Haitians. I felt uncomfortable while reading the book, but it really made me think about how racism is inherent in a lot of western art and culture. I had kind of the same feeling while reading this book as Elly described after watching Mad Men for the first time-- it was fascinating in part because everyone is so wrong in their thoughts and actions by today's standards.

This book was essentially Seabrook's journal during his time in Haiti that he later published. I enjoyed that it focused a lot on his discovery and experience with Vodou/Voodoo- it felt like I was discovering with him.

Important note: This book was written in 1929 by an American author. Keep in mind that Jim Crow laws are in place and lynching is widely accepted in the United States. Seabrook does have at times a "white saviorist" tone and pats himself on the back for not being aggressively racist. To be fair, him going to Haiti and treating the locals with kindness during this time is pretty remarkable for a white American.

Written in 1929, this is a remarkably unbiased account of the author's experiences in Haiti. Ranging from Voodoo rituals to cock fights to mountain hikes, he treats the Haitian people with credibility and respect. The Americans - occupying the island following the assassination of their President in 1915 - are not portrayed in a particularly complimentary (but probably accurate) light. Very entertaining and enlightening. Well worth reading, if only to gain historical perspective.

Unlike vampire movies, which can all be said to owe their existence to the novel Dracula, there never was one major zombie novel. However, this book was very influential, and inspired many early zombie films, such as White Zombie (starring Bela Lugosi). Exactly how accurate the book is, is a separate issue.

A fascinating account of voodoo and Haitian culture. Who knows how reliable it is.

Though the narrator is quick to defend the validity of the things he records and the humanity of the people involved, and notes other contrasting attitudes as, there is nonetheless an undertone of kindly racism in his characterisation of the Haitians as naive and childlike in their ways.

I don’t usually go into whether a book’s politics are objectionable because this website is mainly used by adults; but suffice it to say that a lot of this book is about colonial attitudes toward race, and while nodding often in the direction of respectful inclusivity, depicts language and attitudes that would be fairly risible by any modern-day calculus. There’s also some bracing animal cruelty that some may prefer to be forewarned about. Honestly though, if you know the reputation of Seabrook or this book in particular, the above probably isn’t news.
Seabrook does seem animated by a curiosity and respect regarding other people’s cultures and religious practises that sees him recounting some pretty far-out stuff with a zeal that strives to preserve the dignity of its subjects. I don’t know that I’d trust myself to claim much authority on voudon beliefs or practices after having read this book, but those portions of the book certainly make for gripping adventure yarns. The later sections are somewhat drier, though there are some highlights (honestly the cockfighting chapter is quite delightful if you’re not averse to such subject matter).
I’m curious to read more by this intrepid, problematic individual.

La edición que leí en español es la de Valdemar que se titula "La isla mágica. Un viaje al corazón del vudú", y creo que es importante decir que sólo una parte del libro hace referencia al vudú y sus ceremonias. El libro es en realidad el relato del autor de su experiencia viviendo una temporada en Haití, así que no habla sólo de religión y creencias y ceremonias relacionadas a éstas, sino también de las costumbres de la gente, su gobierno, política, su relación con los estadounidenses, etc.
Si dejamos de lado los comentarios racistas y machistas que hace Seabrook (hay que recordar que el libro fue escrito hace casi 100 años), "La isla mágica" resulta muy interesante en verdad.

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If you are looking for the source of the modern zombie obsession this is it. However, this book is more travelogue than zombie manifesto. The section about zombies in the book is very small.

Seabrook's book though published in 1929 so it's interesting to see how progressive he is in dealing with the Haiti/USA narrative -- readers on the Left may be pleasantly surprised. Though some of the language would be considered problematic today at the time it would have been noted as culturally sensitive.

All in all a good book.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.

The Magic Island

"The best and most thrilling book of exploration that we have ever read … [an] immensely important book." — New York Evening Post
"A series of excellent stories about one of the most interesting corners of the American world, told by a keen and sensitive person who knows how to write." — American Journal of Sociology
"It can be said of many travelers that they have traveled widely. Of Mr. Seabrook a much finer thing may be said — he has traveled deeply." — The New York Times Book Review
This fascinating book, first published in 1929, offers firsthand accounts of Haitian voodoo and witchcraft rituals. Journalist and adventurer William Seabrook introduced the concept of the walking dead ― zombies ― to the West with his illustrated travelogue. He relates his experiences with the voodoo priestess who initiated him into the religion's rituals, from soul transference to resurrection. In addition to twenty evocative line drawings by Alexander King, this edition features a new Foreword by cartoonist and graphic novelist Joe Ollmann, a new Introduction by George A. Romero, legendary director of Night of the Living Dead , and a new Afterword by Wade Davis, Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society.

Reprint of the Harcourt, Brace and Company, Inc., New York, 1929 edition.

William Seabrook - The Magic Island

The White King Of La Gonave
The Black Queen's Court
A Torn Scrap Of Paper
Portrait of 'Gross Negre"
"Polynice And His White"
The "Danse Congo"
"No White Man Could Be As Dumb As That"
Portrait Of A Scientist
Morne La Selle Adventure
The Soul Of Haiti

From The Author's Notebook.

Seabrook (1886-1945) was a journalist by trade, a fearless explorer into the mysteries of the Dark Continent and perhaps even America's answer to Elliott O'Donnell, in that his work tends to blur fact, 'fact' and fiction to the point where it's best to give up worrying about it too much and go along for the ride. He was certainly a "character", whose life, which he ended in 1945 by way of a drug overdose, was blighted by alcoholism and depression (he wrote about his condition in the autobiographical Asylum, the Dell 1950 paperback featuring a suitably nightmarish cover painting from the great Richard Powers). Aside from participating in a particularly bloody voodoo ceremony, Seabrook claimed to have taken part in a cannibal feast as part of his research, though he was quick to reassure the reader that dinner had not been murdered. Wow, a short story first published in The Smart Set, Jan. 1921, so upset Aleister Crowley that the Great Beast commemorated his passing with "the swine-dog W. B. Seabrook has killed himself at last, after months of agonized slavery to his final wife." Perhaps his most famous piece, " . Dead Men Working In The Cane Field" has been credited credited as the story-cum-article which launched the entire trad. zombie genre.

" . Dead Men Working In The Cane Field." : Port-au-Prince. Constant Polynice, a far from credulous man, is discussing native superstitions with Seabrook when the author asks him about zombies. Polynice assures him that, not only are the walking dead a reality, but he knows for a fact they are frequently set to work on plantations belonging to HASCO (the Haitian American Sugar Company), and tells him the true story of Ti Joseph and his wife Croyance, who got rich off the backs of same. Ti Joseph was such a slave driver that even old Croyance eventually took pity on their mindless automatons and, while her husband was away on business, treated the zombies to a day at the local fête, even bought them some pistachio nuts as a change from their usual slops. Her kind gesture rebounded when the dead men tasted salt and returned as one to their village to die for good. Ti Joseph was exposed as the fiend who disturbed them and came to a suitably nasty end.

Tousell's Pale Bride - or, if you're Peter Haining, The Wedding Guests. Camille, the usual nineteen-year-old village beauty, weds Matthieu Tousell, a rich coffee plantation owner twice her age, much respected in Port-au-Prince although rumours persist that he's a dabbler in the dark arts. Camille's first year of married life is happy enough, though she grows concerned when Matthieu takes to disappearing for whole nights at a time. Come their anniversary and Tousell tells her to put on her wedding dress and make herself beautiful as he has invited four special guests over to celebrate. 'How wonderful!' thinks Camille - until she sets disbelieving eyes on them and goes insane.

Haining includes both stories as just the one piece under the " . Dead Men Working In The Cane Field" title in Zombie: Stories Of The Walking Dead, so if you have that, no need to track Tousell's Pale Bride down elsewhere. As mentioned, Tousell's Pale Bride returns in Haining's Black Magic Omnibus as The Wedding Guests.

More to follow you poor bastards, etc .

From the first, I set myself against "literature"; the story was the thing, and no amount of style could persuade me to select a story that lacked genuine, unadulterated horror. For those who wanted something high-brow there was plenty. - Christine Campbell Thomson

The book is a vivid and detailed account of Seabrook's experiences in Haiti. He describes the rituals he witnessed, including animal sacrifices, trance-like dances, and consultations with spirits. He explores the relationship between the Voodoo religion and the African diaspora, tracing its roots back to the slave trade. Seabrook's writing style is immersive and evocative, painting a picture of a country steeped in magic and mystery. His descriptions of the rituals are both eerie and captivating, drawing the reader into a world where the supernatural is an integral part of everyday life. However, it is important to note that Seabrook's portrayal of Voodoo has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and sensationalism. Some argue that his account is heavily influenced by his own biases and preconceptions, and that he did not fully understand or appreciate the cultural significance of the practices he observed. Despite these criticisms, The Magic Island remains an important record of Haiti's Voodoo culture during the early 20th century. It offers a glimpse into a unique and often misunderstood religious tradition, and its impact on popular culture cannot be denied. In conclusion, The Magic Island is a captivating exploration of Haiti's Voodoo culture, as seen through the eyes of William Seabrook. While it may have its flaws, it offers valuable insights into a world that continues to fascinate and intrigue..

Reviews for "The Cultural Representation in William Seabrook's "The Magic Island"

1. John - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "The Magic Island" as I had heard so many great things about it. However, I found it to be quite disappointing. The writing style was difficult to follow, and I often found myself lost in the unnecessary use of complex vocabulary. The content itself was also lacking, with the author's exploration of Haitian voodoo feeling shallow and sensationalized. Overall, I did not enjoy this book and would not recommend it to others.

2. Emily - 1/5 - I found "The Magic Island" to be extremely problematic and culturally insensitive. The author seems more interested in exoticizing Haitian voodoo rather than approaching it with respect and understanding. There was a significant lack of research and credibility throughout the book, as Seabrook often relied on hearsay and rumors rather than factual evidence. I expected a thoughtful exploration of Haitian culture but was disappointed by the author's sensationalized and ignorant portrayal.

3. Sarah - 2/5 - "The Magic Island" had an intriguing premise, but the execution fell flat for me. The writing was dry and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the story. Additionally, Seabrook's biases and prejudices were evident throughout the book, which made me question the authenticity of his experiences. This read more like a sensationalist travelogue rather than a genuine exploration of Haitian culture and spirituality. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.

4. Tom - 3/5 - I had mixed feelings about "The Magic Island." While I appreciated the author's efforts to shed light on Haitian voodoo, I found the writing style to be overly descriptive and verbose. The book could have been condensed into a more concise and focused narrative. Additionally, I felt that Seabrook's portrayal of voodoo practitioners was sensationalized and lacked nuance. Despite these shortcomings, the book did provide some interesting insights into a lesser-known aspect of Haitian culture.

The Symbolism and Imagery in William Seabrook's "The Magic Island