Miracles of Our Own Making
A History of Paganism
Distributed for Reaktion Books
352 pages
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7 halftones
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5 1/2 x 8 1/2
- Contents
- Review Quotes
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
1 Ancient Origins
2 Saxon Spells and Viking Victories
3 Medieval Magic
4 Renaissance Rites
5 Georgian Gentlemen
6 Victorian Values
7 The Twentieth Century
Conclusion
1 Ancient Origins
2 Saxon Spells and Viking Victories
3 Medieval Magic
4 Renaissance Rites
5 Georgian Gentlemen
6 Victorian Values
7 The Twentieth Century
Conclusion
Review Quotes
Bookseller
"[An] engaging and often entertaining history of all strands of paganism and magic, taking in witchcraft, shamanism, Druidry, heathenry, and more. The author is a 'level-headed' journalist, SF author, and practicing witch, who nevertheless has zero tolerance for woo-woo, a fact which makes this particularly accessible."
Marion Gibson | BBC History Magazine
"Williams brings her own lively curiosity and frame of reference to the work—one of the book's strengths is that it is so inviting. . . . History should engage with readers intelligently, accurately, and respectfully. This is an inventive, authoritative, and lively history of paganism and magic, with a practical twist. It deserves a wide readership."
Fortean Times
"A witty and clear-sighted account of paganism and magic in Britain over the past two-thousand years. Where evidence is lacking, Williams doesn't speculate. In fact, she sets out to 'debunk some of the prevailing myths.' . . . Altogether this is an informative and entertaining roundup."
Magonia Review of Books
"The author writes in an easy, fluid way, avoiding jargon—or explaining it when it is unavoidable, steering well clear of academic complexity for its own sake, and happy to insert a humorous touch where appropriate. . . . For someone with a sympathetic interest in the topic who wants to understand it more fully, I think it would be hard to find a better guide."
Facing North
“This is a book that should be on every pagan's bookshelf—highly recommended!”
Ronald Hutton, author of "The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft"
“At last, we have a history of British Paganism written from the inside, by somebody who not only has a good knowledge of the sources, but explicitly understands how Pagans and magicians think.”
Janet Farrar, coauthor of "A Witches’ Bible"
"An absolute must for anyone interested in the development of paganism in the modern world. I cannot recommend this book enough."
Thomas Waters, author of "Cursed Britain: A History of Witchcraft and Black Magic in Modern Times"
"Paganism has a mysterious, complicated history. In Miracles of Our Own Making, Williams cheerfully guides her readers through the mists that too often shroud this fascinating topic. With good sense and sound judgment, our amiable guide takes us on a magical journey from the ancient world to the present day. Along the way, she highlights common pitfalls and evaluates how far contemporary paganism is indeed rooted in historical magical traditions. Although primarily focused on Britain, Miracles of Our Own Making is a wide-ranging book. Topics covered include Viking runes, Anglo-Saxon leechcraft, Tarot cards, Hellfire clubs, Druids, the Golden Dawn, and much more. Throughout, Williams eschews unnecessary controversy and avoids unproductive conflict. Instead, she synthesizes a litany of key primary and secondary sources, and does so with tolerance, kindness, and sympathy. Those drawn towards pagan paths will find Miracles of Our OwnMaking a fine overview of the mysterious and complex history of magic."
Carolyne Larrington, University of Oxford, author of "The Land of the Green Man"
"An informative and well-informed history of paganism, sensibly written with both knowledge and sympathy."
Owen Davies, author of "Grimoires" and editor of "The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic"
"In this highly engaging and informative book, Williams shares her wide knowledge of British Paganism in the past and present. From druids to grimoires, and antiquarians to occultists, the book is rich in detail and interesting characters."
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