If you want know how to create sea storms and inflict damages to your enemies then you have only one thing to do…read this book.
A fascinating exploration, covering ancient rites, sorcery, and various aspects of the dark craft, superbly written and collected by Christina Hole.
This book was first published in 1945 by B.T. Batsford Ltd.
A Book Club Edition was also released in 1977, published by Totowa, N.J. : Rowman and Littlefield
And , at least for collectors, two last editions to seek , being them worth, one of 1990 published by Fitzhouse, London,
and one of 1991 republished by B.T. Batsford Ltd which looks very similar to the 1977 edition.
The first edition is highly sought after and can fetch prices ranging from $150 to $1,500. The second edition is less rare but still valuable, priced between $100 and $300. The third edition is more widely available and priced between $60 and $70.
The Author and Witchcraft in England
Christina Hole (1896-1985) was a renowned British folklorist and author, often hailed as a leading authority on English folk customs and culture. Despite not having a formal college education, she was recognized for her deep expertise and knowledge in her field.
Before dedicating herself to folklore, Hole worked as an organizer and speaker for the Conservative Party in Cheshire. This experience sparked her interest in collecting folklore, leading her to join the Folklore Society in 1941. She later became a council member and editor of the society’s journal, “Folklore,” demonstrating her commitment to the field.
Hole’s writing is characterized by its accessibility and accuracy. She aimed to share her knowledge with a general audience, avoiding sensationalism while maintaining scholarly rigor. Her first book, “Traditions and Customs of Cheshire” (1937), drew upon her personal experiences and observations in the region. She went on to author numerous books on English folklore, including her most famous work, “Witchcraft in England” (1945). This book, still popular today, provides a comprehensive and wide overview of the history of witchcraft in England during middle age and up until the end of this latter epoch, exploring ancient rites, sorcery, and the cultural context of witchcraft beliefs.
Christina Hole’s work continues to be valued for its insightful exploration of English folklore and her ability to make complex subjects engaging and understandable for a wide audience.
No serious collection of esoteric books is complete without the invaluable contributions of Christina Hole. Her works are not mere additions; they are foundational pillars, providing unparalleled insight into the rich tapestry of English folklore and its inextricable links to the esoteric.
Hole’s meticulous research, combined with her engaging prose, brings to life the customs, beliefs, and practices that have shaped the mystical landscape of England. From witchcraft to local traditions, her books offer a profound understanding of the hidden currents of magic and folklore that continue to influence our world. To omit her works from an esoteric collection would be to leave a gaping hole in its very essence, denying it the depth and authenticity that her unique perspective provides.
We bought our copy from a great book seller from Isle of Wight , Cameron House Book
Dust jacket protected by transparent plastic, looks great, isn’t it?
This copy is the American edition of the book, published in 1947 by Charles Scribner’s Sons in New York. This edition is slightly larger than the U.K. version, and, in any case, the Mervyn Peake illustrations are the original ones, which are arguably superior to those added later in the 1990 edition.
Books in good conditions of this edition, and the U.K. ones, should , in a very near future, not be sold for less than 550 , 750 Euro.
