-50%

Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015) — Witchcraft Wicca

Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015) — photo 1

Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015) — photo 2

Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015) — photo 3

📖 Have you read this book?

Your review can inspire others to read it

🌙 Witchcraft & Wicca −50%

Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015)

Name: Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015)
Price: 109.00 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781349580712

✍️ Sneddon, Andrew

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$109.00 ~~$218.00~~ Save $109.00 (50%)

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This groundbreaking study offers the first scholarly examination of witchcraft and popular magical practices throughout Ireland's history. Andrew Sneddon meticulously traces these traditions from the medieval era right up to contemporary times, drawing on a wealth of previously unexplored primary documents. It delves into the nuances of local beliefs, highlighting how religious divisions influenced perceptions and accusations of magic, providing an essential, comprehensive insight into a long-neglected aspect of Irish cultural heritage.

Sneddon, Andrew

📚 all books by this author (2) →

🌙

Witchcraft & Wicca

🏛 Palgrave MacMillan 📅 2025 📖 221 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781349580712

Fun Fact

Sneddon's "Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland" is an essential, meticulously researched volume that finally grants Ireland's magical heritage the scholarly attention it deserves. Its strength lies in its use of previously untapped primary sources, offering fresh, detailed insights. While it might disappoint readers seeking a casual, sensationalized account, it will richly reward anyone desiring a rigorous, academic exploration of Irish folk magic and its historical context. This book immediately establishes itself as the definitive work in its field.

📝 Description: Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015)

This is the first academic overview of witchcraft and popular magic in Ireland and spans the medieval to the modern period. Based on a wide range of un-used and under-used primary source material, and taking account of denominational difference between ...

📑 What's inside

1. Witchcraft Belief in Early Modern Ireland
2. Witchcraft Legislation and Legal Administration in Early Modern Ireland
3. Cunning-folk in Early Modern Ireland
4. Witchcraft Accusations in Early Modern Ireland
5. Witchcraft Trials and Demonic Possession in Early Modern Ireland
6. Witchcraft in Modern Ireland: after the Trials
7. Cunning-folk in Modern Ireland

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Sneddon’s groundbreaking study stands as the first scholarly examination of its kind, meticulously detailing Irish magical practices through extensive primary source analysis. It offers an essential, comprehensive insight into cultural heritage often overlooked by mainstream history. However, readers seeking entertaining folklore, practical spellcasting guides, or lighthearted anecdotes will likely find this text dry and overly academic. The dense focus on historical nuances and religious divisions may alienate those looking for accessible narrative flair. It is strictly for serious researchers and historians willing to engage with complex sociological frameworks rather than casual enthusiasts of the occult.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Scholars, historians, and dedicated practitioners of Irish heritage will find immense value in this text as it illuminates a long-neglected aspect of cultural identity. By meticulously tracing magical traditions from the medieval era to modern times, Andrew Sneddon provides essential insights into how religious divisions shaped the perception and accusation of witchcraft. Readers seeking a deep, evidence-based understanding of Ireland's hidden currents will appreciate the use of previously unexplored primary documents. It is particularly rewarding for those interested in the nuanced interplay between local beliefs and broader historical forces, offering a rare, comprehensive look at the evolution of popular magic without relying on sensationalism or myth.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're a student of Irish history, a folklore enthusiast, or a scholar of comparative witchcraft, this book is an indispensable addition to your library. Prepare to deepen your understanding of a captivating, often misunderstood, facet of Ireland's past.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Sneddon’s groundbreaking study stands as the first scholarly examination of its kind, meticulously detailing Irish magical practices through extensive primary source analysis. It offers an essential, comprehensive insight into cultural heritage often overlooked by mainstream history. However, readers seeking entertaining folklore, practical spellcasting guides, or lighthearted anecdotes will likely find this text dry and overly academic. The dense focus on historical nuances and religious divisions may alienate those looking for accessible narrative flair. It is strictly for serious researchers and historians willing to engage with complex sociological frameworks rather than casual enthusiasts of the occult.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While thoroughly researched and academically rigorous, Sneddon's engaging prose makes it accessible to any reader with a genuine interest in Irish history and folklore, not just specialists.

No, it explores a broader spectrum of popular magical practices, from healing charms and divinations to alleged malevolent sorcery, providing a holistic view of supernatural beliefs in Ireland.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Unearthing Hidden Histories

Sneddon's work distinguishes itself by its reliance on a vast array of previously unexamined or underutilized historical documents. These primary sources, ranging from court records to personal accounts, offer fresh perspectives and challenge long-held assumptions about Irish magical traditions.

Faith, Fear, and Folklore

The book explores the profound impact of religious differences, particularly between Catholic and Protestant communities, on the understanding and prosecution of witchcraft. It reveals how distinct theological frameworks shaped perceptions of supernatural phenomena and the individuals accused of magical transgression.

📜 Historical context

While continental Europe and Britain have extensive scholarship on witchcraft and popular magic, Ireland's unique trajectory in this field has largely remained unexplored. This book addresses a significant gap, offering a dedicated, scholarly lens on its distinct magical traditions from the medieval period onward, establishing a foundational text for future studies.

📚 Glossary

Primary Source
Denominational Difference
Popular Magic

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might the distinct religious landscape of Ireland have shaped its magical traditions differently from other European nations?
Reflect on the role of 'popular magic' in your own cultural background. Are there echoes of these ancient practices in contemporary superstitions or folk beliefs?
Consider how the absence of extensive historical records on a topic can influence its understanding. What value do newly uncovered primary sources bring to such narratives?