Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015) — Witchcraft Wicca

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🌙 Witchcraft & Wicca

Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015)

Name: Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015)
Price: 119.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780230302723

✍️ Sneddon, Andrew

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$119.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This groundbreaking work illuminates the often-overlooked history of witchcraft and popular magical practices in Ireland. Moving beyond common assumptions, it offers the first comprehensive scholarly examination of this rich tradition, spanning from the medieval era right up to modern times. Drawing upon a wealth of previously unexplored primary documents, author Andrew Sneddon meticulously reconstructs the intricate narratives of witchcraft trials and accusations. Crucially, the book also highlights the significant denominational distinctions between Catholic and Protestant experiences, providing a nuanced understanding of magic's role in Irish society.

Sneddon, Andrew

📚 all books by this author (2) →

🌙

Witchcraft & Wicca

🏛 Palgrave MacMillan 📅 2015 📖 221 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780230302723

Fun Fact

Andrew Sneddon's "Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland" stands as the definitive academic work on a long-neglected subject. It masterfully uses untapped primary sources to present a nuanced, groundbreaking history, distinguishing Irish magical traditions from broader European narratives. While essential for scholars and serious enthusiasts, those seeking practical spellcraft or a light historical overview might find its academic depth less engaging. This book is an indispensable contribution to both Irish studies and the history of magic.

📝 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 Catholic and Protestant, it provides a detailed account of witchcraft trials and accusation.

📑 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

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Sneddon’s text is a dense, academic exploration that demands patience and historical literacy. While it excels in providing the first comprehensive scholarly examination of Irish witchcraft trials, its rigorous tone may alienate casual readers seeking accessible folklore or sensationalist tales of the occult. It is not suitable for those expecting light reading or general Wiccan practice guides. However, for researchers dedicated to understanding the specific denominational distinctions and historical accuracy of magic in Ireland, this work provides a vital, albeit demanding, contribution to the field.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Scholars and enthusiasts of Irish history will find this volume indispensable for its rigorous reconstruction of magical practices often lost to time. Andrew Sneddon offers a nuanced lens through which to view the complex interplay between Catholic and Protestant communities, revealing how magic functioned within their distinct societal frameworks. Readers interested in the legal and social mechanisms of witchcraft accusations will appreciate the meticulous use of primary documents. This book is essential for anyone seeking to move beyond simplistic narratives and understand the deep, often overlooked roots of Irish esotericism from the medieval era to the present day.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the hidden histories of magic, curious about Ireland's distinct spiritual heritage, or seeking a rigorous academic exploration of witchcraft beyond typical narratives, this book offers an essential and illuminating journey into a rarely discussed subject.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Sneddon’s text is a dense, academic exploration that demands patience and historical literacy. While it excels in providing the first comprehensive scholarly examination of Irish witchcraft trials, its rigorous tone may alienate casual readers seeking accessible folklore or sensationalist tales of the occult. It is not suitable for those expecting light reading or general Wiccan practice guides. However, for researchers dedicated to understanding the specific denominational distinctions and historical accuracy of magic in Ireland, this work provides a vital, albeit demanding, contribution to the field.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While academically rigorous, its clear presentation of Irish magical history makes it accessible for anyone interested in the subject, even without prior deep knowledge of occult studies, though a familiarity with historical analysis is beneficial.

This is purely a historical and academic study focusing on beliefs, accusations, and trials related to witchcraft and popular magic in Ireland, not a guide for magical practice or spellcraft.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Irish Witchcraft History

This book provides the first academic deep dive into Ireland's unique magical past, revealing how beliefs in witchcraft and popular enchantments developed and were perceived from ancient times through to the modern age, distinct from continental or British narratives.

Denominational Differences in Magic

A crucial aspect explored is how religious divisions—specifically between Catholic and Protestant communities—shaped the understanding, accusation, and prosecution of magical practices. It uncovers how these differing perspectives influenced the societal response to suspected witchcraft.

Primary Source Insights

The author meticulously draws from an extensive collection of underutilized and previously unexamined primary historical documents. This allows for a fresh, authentic reconstruction of events and beliefs, moving beyond secondary interpretations to offer direct insights into the period.

📜 Historical context

While extensive scholarship exists on European and British witchcraft, Ireland's magical history has long remained a scholarly blind spot. This book fills that critical void, establishing itself as the foundational academic text for understanding Irish witchcraft and popular magic. It provides a vital counterpoint and a unique contribution to the broader field of early modern and modern magical studies.

📚 Glossary

Popular Magic
Denominational Difference
Primary Source Material

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might the unique political and religious history of Ireland have shaped its popular magical traditions differently from those in other European nations?
Consider how a lack of historical documentation for a specific cultural practice might lead to misconceptions or an incomplete understanding of its true nature.
Reflect on how denominational differences, such as those between Catholic and Protestant communities, could influence perceptions of and reactions to what is considered "magic" or "witchcraft" in any historical context.