The Book of English Magic

Description

Of all the countries in the world, 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. Most people are torn between a fascination with magic and an almost instinctive fear of the occult, of a world redolent with superstition and illusion. And yet more people now practice magic in England than at any time in her history. 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.

Philip Carr-Gomm is a writer and psychologist. He is trained in psychotherapy for adults and in play therapy for children and has also trained in Montessori education. Sir Richard Heygate runs a successful software company and has a special interest in alternative worlds. He is co-author of Endangered Species, which was published by John Murray in 2007.

A user-friendly primer...a magical mystery tour, for readers who want to get a little deeper into magic, there are well informed suggestions - The Times Witchcraft and magic have never been more popular, and England is its global epicentre...a fabulous array. Fun, best of all is the end - The Daily Express A new book celebrates the growing witchcraft, spells, potions and the spirit world - The Daily Express Darkly glittery package for this survey of mysterious England, the country with the richest history of magical lore and practice in the world - Bookseller Should be a wizard read - Birmingham Post A giddying tour of a hidden history and an occult present - Books Quarterly A positive cornucopia of magic that's sure to cast a spell over you! - Lancashire Evening Post An astonishing and entertaining book - Northern Echo