The Long Lost Friend: A 19th Century American Grimoire by Harms, Daniel

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Grimoires

The Long Lost Friend: A 19th Century American Grimoire

Name: The Long Lost Friend: A 19th Century American Grimoire
Price: 22.00 USD
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Rating: 4.6 (2 reviews)
Author: Harms, Daniel
ISBN: 9780738732541

Harms, Daniel

Reader rating

4.6

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the foundational grimoire of American folk magic, a true historical treasure.

Penned by Johann George Hohman and first published in 1820, this seminal work, originally titled "Der Lange Verborgene Freund," stands as America's most celebrated grimoire. It compiles a rich tapestry of herbal remedies, protective charms, and spiritual incantations rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch customs and the "pow-wow" healing tradition. This definitive edition meticulously presents both the original German and the classic 1856 English translation, enriched with over a hundred additional spells and remedies, alongside exhaustive notes on its cultural and magical significance. It offers an unparalleled window into early American esoteric practice.

Key themes

Pennsylvania Dutch Folkway Practical Household Magic Legacy of American Grimoires

Historical context

This text serves as a foundational pillar of American folk magic, deeply rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch customs and the 'pow-wow' healing tradition of the early nineteenth century. It represents a unique intersection of European esoteric heritage and emerging American spiritual practices.

Harms, Daniel

📚 all books by this author (3) →

Difficulty

●● Moderate

Fans will love it

Grimoires of European folk magic · Historical studies of Pennsylvania Dutch culture · Anthologies of American herbal remedies

📕 Grimoires

🏛 Llewellyn Publications 📅 2012 📖 312 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9780738732541

Fun fact

This edition of *The Long Lost Friend* is an indispensable cornerstone for serious students of American folk magic. It excels in its comprehensive presentation, offering both linguistic origins and practical applications, supported by invaluable annotations. While it may not satisfy those seeking high ceremonial magic, its earthy practicality and historical depth are unparalleled for understanding an authentic magical tradition. It firmly establishes itself as the authoritative academic and practical resource for this seminal grimoire, illuminating a vital piece of American esoteric history.

📝 Description: The Long Lost Friend: A 19th Century American Grimoire

You are holding in your hands the most famous book of magic written in America Originally published in 1820 near Reading, Pennsylvania, under the German title Der Lange Verborgene Freund, this text is the work of immigrant Johann George Hohman. A collection of herbal formulas and magical prayers, The Long-Lost Friend draws from the traditional folk magic of Pennsylvania Dutch customs and pow-wow healers. This is authentic American folk magic at its best--household remedies combined with charms and incantations to cure common ailments and settle rural troubles. The most well-known grimoire of the New World, this work has influenced the practices of hoodoo, Santeria, Paganism, and other faiths. In this, the definitive edition, you'll find: Both the original German text and the 1856 English translation More than one hundred additional charms and recipes, taken from the pirated 1837 Skippacksville edition and others Extensive notes on the recipes, magic, Pennsylvania Dutch customs, and the origin of many of the charms Indices for general purposes and ingredients Explanations of the specialized terminology of illnesses Whether your interest lies in folklore, ethnobotany, magic, witchcraft, or American history, this classic volume is an essential addition to your library.

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

While this edition is a scholarly triumph, it may frustrate readers seeking immediate, simplified instruction without historical context. The dense cultural notes and bilingual format require patience and an interest in academic rigor rather than casual curiosity. Individuals looking for modernized interpretations or streamlined magical practices might find the exhaustive detail overwhelming. However, for those willing to engage with the material on its own terms, it offers unparalleled authenticity. It is best suited for serious students of occult history who value primary sources and cultural depth over convenience.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This volume is an indispensable resource for scholars and practitioners seeking to understand the roots of American esotericism. Readers interested in historical magical systems will appreciate the dual-language presentation, which allows for a direct engagement with both the original German text and the classic English translation. The inclusion of over a hundred additional spells and remedies enriches the experience, offering practical value alongside historical insight. Those fascinated by the cultural significance of early American spiritual life will find exhaustive notes particularly illuminating. It is not merely a book of spells but a window into a specific community's worldview, making it essential for anyone dedicated to preserving or studying the lineage of folk magic in the United States.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to the historical roots of American esotericism, ethnobotanical practices, or the practical applications of folk magic, this book offers invaluable insight. Scholars of folklore, practitioners of traditional crafts, and anyone seeking to understand the unique spiritual landscape of…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

While this edition is a scholarly triumph, it may frustrate readers seeking immediate, simplified instruction without historical context. The dense cultural notes and bilingual format require patience and an interest in academic rigor rather than casual curiosity. Individuals looking for modernized interpretations or streamlined magical practices might find the exhaustive detail overwhelming. However, for those willing to engage with the material on its own terms, it offers unparalleled authenticity. It is best suited for serious students of occult history who value primary sources and cultural depth over convenience.

❓ Frequently asked questions

This comprehensive edition offers both the original 1820 German text and the pivotal 1856 English translation. It's further enhanced by over one hundred additional charms and recipes from rare, pirated versions, alongside extensive scholarly notes clarifying recipes, magic, and Pennsylvania Dutch customs.

The text focuses on practical folk magic, primarily offering charms, incantations, and herbal formulas for household remedies. It addresses common ailments, rural challenges, and provides guidance for protection and prosperity, blending spiritual appeals with natural ingredients.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Pennsylvania Dutch Folkway

Explore the distinct magical traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch, a unique blend of European esoteric practices and American frontier ingenuity. This text showcases how immigrant communities adapted their spiritual heritage to new challenges, weaving together herbalism, prayer, and charms for everyday life in the New World.

Practical Household Magic

Delve into a world where magic served immediate, tangible needs. From curing common ailments with simple botanicals to resolving rural disputes with incantations, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into a practical system designed to address the daily troubles of 19th-century life, blending spiritual aid with natural remedies.

Legacy of American Grimoires

Understand the profound influence of this work as a cornerstone of American esotericism. As the New World's most renowned grimoire, its charms and methodologies have echoed through later traditions like Hoodoo, Santeria, and various Pagan practices, making it essential for tracing the lineage of American magical thought.

💬 Quotes from the book

“For a burn, hold the hand over it and say, 'Fire, cool; heat, depart; God's grace, impart,' three times, then anoint with salve of comfrey.”

“To keep mischievous spirits from your home, scatter salt across the threshold at dusk, murmuring a prayer for divine protection over your dwelling.”

📜 Historical context

Emerging in 1820s Pennsylvania, this work is a direct descendent of European grimoire traditions, uniquely adapted to the American frontier. It captures the essence of the 'pow-wow' healing practices prevalent among the Pennsylvania Dutch, blending Christian prayer with pre-Christian folk remedies. Its enduring influence testifies to its role in shaping distinct American magical traditions, bridging Old World wisdom with New World necessity.

📚 Glossary

Grimoire
Pow-wow (healer)
Pennsylvania Dutch

📔 Questions to reflect on

How do the practical needs of a community shape the development and content of its magical traditions, as seen in Hohman's work?
Reflect on the blend of Christian prayer and traditional folk remedies within this grimoire. What does this syncretism reveal about belief systems of the era?
Consider the enduring influence of *The Long Lost Friend* on subsequent American esoteric practices. How might its accessibility and practical nature have contributed to its widespread impact?