Witchcraft, Magic and Culture 1736-1951

Name: Witchcraft, Magic and Culture 1736-1951
Price: 30.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Davies, Owen
ISBN: 9781526192660

✍️ Davies, Owen

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth magic's clandestine journey after the pyres ceased, revealing its enduring power.

Explore the hidden history of magic and witchcraft in Britain, tracing its evolution from 1736 to 1951. Owen Davies masterfully chronicles how, despite the repeal of the Witchcraft Act, belief in supernatural forces and the practice of folk magic continued to thrive and adapt. This essential work moves beyond sensationalism, offering a nuanced perspective on how these traditions persisted in daily life, influencing culture and society long after official persecution ended. It's a vital narrative for understanding the enduring human connection to the unseen.

Key themes

{'title': 'Law and Folkways', 'body': 'The book brilliantly illustrates the chasm between legislative changes, such as the 1736 Witchcraft Act, and the lived reality of ordinary people. It reveals that legal reform did not instantly eradicate centuries of deeply ingrained magical thinking, but rather pushed such practices into more private or adapted forms, highlighting the resilience of popular culture against official decree.'} {'title': 'Evolving Magical Practices', 'body': 'Davies expertly charts the transformation of magical practices across nearly two centuries. From rural cunning folk to urban spiritualists, the book examines how magic adapted to changing societal norms, industrialization, and emerging intellectual trends. It showcases the dynamic nature of these traditions, always finding new expressions while retaining core elements of their ancient heritage.'}

🏛 Manchester University Press 📅 2025 📖 352 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781526192660

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Fun fact

Owen Davies' "Witchcraft, Magic and Culture" is an essential volume, meticulously charting the often-overlooked period after official witch trials. It excels in its rigorous scholarship, offering a nuanced view of magic's cultural resilience and adaptation. While it won't satisfy those seeking a spellbook or a lurid narrative, it’s indispensable for serious students of history, folklore, and the occult. This work solidified its place as the definitive account of post-Enlightenment magical practices, profoundly influencing subsequent scholarship.

📝 Description: Witchcraft, Magic and Culture 1736-1951

This classic study remains the definitive account of witchcraft and magic in the centuries following the witch trials. The Witchcraft Act of 1736 brought an end to witch trials in Britain. But just because the law had changed didn't mean people ...

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the hidden currents of history, the persistence of folk beliefs, or the intricate evolution of magical practices, this book is indispensable. It will deepen your understanding of how supernatural thought continued to shape lives and communities, long after the stakes were…

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❓ Frequently asked questions

While it touches upon the historical precursors to modern Wicca, this study offers a much broader examination of diverse magical practices and beliefs across society, extending far beyond any single tradition.

Absolutely not. This work is a meticulously researched academic history, providing a balanced and scholarly perspective on its subject, free from the sensationalism often associated with witchcraft narratives.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Law and Folkways

The book brilliantly illustrates the chasm between legislative changes, such as the 1736 Witchcraft Act, and the lived reality of ordinary people. It reveals that legal reform did not instantly eradicate centuries of deeply ingrained magical thinking, but rather pushed such practices into more private or adapted forms, highlighting the resilience of popular culture against official decree.

Evolving Magical Practices

Davies expertly charts the transformation of magical practices across nearly two centuries. From rural cunning folk to urban spiritualists, the book examines how magic adapted to changing societal norms, industrialization, and emerging intellectual trends. It showcases the dynamic nature of these traditions, always finding new expressions while retaining core elements of their ancient heritage.

💬 Quotes from the book

«The repeal of the Witchcraft Act in 1736 did not extinguish belief in magic; rather, it subtly reshaped its public expression and private practice.»

«To understand the resilience of magical thought is to acknowledge its deep roots in human psychology and communal needs, offering solace and agency in an unpredictable world.»

📜 Historical context

Emerging as a cornerstone in the study of Western esotericism, this book builds upon earlier foundational works by historians of magic and folklore. It distinguishes itself by meticulously charting the post-persecution era, providing a crucial bridge between the notorious witch trials and the modern revival of pagan traditions. Its scholarly rigor cements its place as an authoritative voice in this often-misunderstood field.

📚 Glossary

Witchcraft Act of 1736
Cunning Folk
Social History

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might contemporary legal or scientific advancements inadvertently influence the evolution of modern esoteric practices?
Reflect on any folk beliefs or superstitions that persist in your own culture today, and consider their historical lineage.
In what ways do you think the "hidden" nature of magic after 1736 might have contributed to its eventual revival?