The Book of English Magic

A guide to England’s rich history of magical lore and practice “for readers of works like Harry Potter who have grown up a bit into wanting to know more” ( The Hermetic Library ). Through experiments to try and places to visit, as well as a historical exploration of magic and interviews with leading magicians, The Book of English Magic will introduce you to the extraordinary world that lies beneath the surface. Magic runs through the veins of English history, part of daily life from the earliest Arthurian legends to Aleister Crowley to the novels of Tolkien and Philip Pullman, and from the Druids to Freemasonry and beyond. Richly illustrated and deeply knowledgeable, this book is an invaluable source for anyone curious about magic and wizardry, or for sophisticated practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge. “Playful and serious, respectful and amused . . . this will remain the standard work for years to come.” — The Sunday Telegraph “A magical mystery tour.” — The Times “Fabulous.” — Daily Express “Lucid and wonderfully easy to read . . . While it is indeed a perfect book for the ‘intelligent novice’ it’s far more than that—it’s a serious, in-depth survey of a massive topic.” — WitchVox “An accessible and immensely readable book . . . A fascinating insight into a hidden world.” — Booksquawk The Book of English Magic explores the curious and little-known fact that of all countries, England has the richest history of magical lore and practice.English authors such as J.R.R.Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Terry Pratchett, and J.K.Rowling, dominate the world of magic in fiction, but from the earliest times, England has also acted as home to generations of eccentrics and scholars who have researched and explored every conceivable kind of occult art. The Book of English Magic explores this hidden story, from its first stirrings to our present-day fascination with all things magical. Along the way readers are offered a rich menu of magical things to do and places to visit Have you ever wanted to know more about alchemy, mix up a herbal remedy, dowse for water, perform a spell, or find out more about ""second sight""? Did the Harry Potter books ignite your curiosity about wizardry? Offers a comprehensive, illustrated history of England's centuries-old fascination with magic and the occult, as well as a menu of present-day magical things to do and places to visit