The Oxford History of Witchcraft and Magic Davies, Owen
✍️ Davies, OwenA historic overview of global magic from ancient writing to modern cinema.
Edited by Owen Davies, a Professor of Social History at the University of Hertfordshire who has written extensively on magic, ghosts, witchcraft, and popular medicine, this paperback offers a readable and engaging overview of magical beliefs across human history. The volume spans from the dawn of writing to modern cinematic portrayals, covering the depiction of the Devil-worshipping witch, global anthropology, and pop culture media including The Wizard of Oz, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and Harry Potter films. Highly praised as an essential text in the field, this comprehensive book serves as an ideal resource for general readers, students, and scholars seeking an academic, historically grounded overview from Oxford University Press.
Published by Oxford University Press in May 2023, this text addresses magical traditions ranging from early written records through the Enlightenment up to modern contemporary cinema.
Praise for this book
“An essential text in the field.”
📝 Description: The Oxford History of Witchcraft and Magic Davies, Owen
📑 What's inside
- 1. Magic in the Ancient World,
- Peter Maxwell-Stuart2. Medieval Magic,
- Sophie Page3. The Demonologists,
- James Sharpe4. The Witch Trials,
- Rita Voltmer5. The Witch and Magician in European Art,
- Charles Zika6. The World of Popular Magic,
- Owen Davies7. The Rise of Modern Magic,
- Owen Davies8. Witchcraft and Magic in the Age of Anthropology,
- Robert J. Wallis9. Witches on Screen,
- Willem de Blécourt
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This book is an essential resource for anyone fascinated by the long arc of magical history, from its earliest written origins to its modern reincarnation in media. It is particularly valuable for readers who wish to understand how witchcraft evolved from ancient incantations through the harrowing era of witch trials and diabolism into its current state within pop culture. Whether you are a student of anthropology, a historian of religion, or simply a curious mind drawn to the resurgence of magical thought since the Enlightenment, this text provides a fresh, engaging, and meticulously traced narrative. It offers clarity on complex shifts in perception, making it an ideal guide for navigating the intricate relationship between historical witchcraft and its pervasive influence in contemporary cinema and television.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Davies delivers a compelling and fresh overview that successfully spans vast temporal distances without losing coherence. The narrative is engaging, tracing the evolution of magical beliefs with precision and highlighting the shifting portrayal of the witch. However, readers seeking deep, dense academic theory or niche anthropological case studies may find the broad survey approach somewhat superficial. It is not suited for those looking for primary source translations or highly specialized regional analyses. Instead, it targets generalists who want a cohesive, well-written summary of the global saga. While it lacks the granular detail of monographs, its strength lies in its accessibility and breadth, making it a sturdy foundation for understanding the macro-evolution of magic rather than a deep dive into specific rituals.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you're fascinated by the deep roots of magic, curious about the history of witchcraft accusations, or simply want to understand how ancient beliefs shape modern culture, this extensive survey offers an illuminating and engaging journey through millennia of mystical thought.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Evolution of Witchcraft Narratives
This volume meticulously charts how the concept of witchcraft has transformed across millennia. From its ancient origins, through the dark period of the witch trials and the terrifying image of the Devil's accomplice, to its contemporary interpretations in literature and film, the book reveals the shifting cultural anxieties and beliefs projected onto the figure of the witch.
Global Magical Practices
Beyond Western perceptions, the text explores a diverse spectrum of magical beliefs and rituals from various cultures worldwide. It moves beyond singular narratives to encompass the rich tapestry of global magical traditions, offering insights into how different societies have understood, employed, and integrated magic into their daily lives and spiritual frameworks throughout history.
Magic in Modernity
The book uniquely extends its historical gaze to magic's enduring presence from the Enlightenment to the present day. It investigates the resurgence of magical thought in contemporary society, its anthropological study, and its pervasive influence in popular media, demonstrating how ancient beliefs continue to resonate and adapt in our modern world, from academic discourse to cinematic representation.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Diabolism
- Anthropological Study of Magic
- Enlightenment
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How have popular media portrayals of magic and witchcraft influenced your own understanding or perceptions of these ancient practices?
- Considering the historical instances of witch hunts, what societal anxieties or power dynamics do you believe contribute to the scapegoating of specific groups?
- In what ways do you see elements of 'magical thinking' or belief in unseen forces persisting in contemporary rational society?
