A History of Magic and Witchcraft in Wales

by Richard Suggett

The untold history of Wales's rich gallery of magical specialists suspected of harmful witchcraft and how they were tracked down by a vengeful community. Witchcraft studies are central to the study of the history of religion, power, and community in early modern Europe. This book establishes that Wales was one of the peripheral areas of witch-hunting where prosecutions started relatively late. Nevertheless, Wales had a rich array of magical specialists—including prophets, cunning-men, and physicians—some of whom were suspected of harmful witchcraft. This book takes an inclusive approach to witchcraft and examines all types of magical specialists, including those regarded as beneficial as well as harmful.

Genres: Nonfiction, Magic, History

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched and illuminating. I was particularly impressed by the epilogue, in which Suggett pulled together the three centuries of changing beliefs discussed in earlier chapters. Interesting to learn that eisteddfods were originally used to suppress superstition and popular religious beliefs; contemporary druids have adopted this practice as a social celebration of creativity. It could have benefited from some editing — Suggett acknowledges that "this book was written more quickly than I would have preferred," resulting in some awkward turns of phrase. It's nevertheless very accessible.

[Rupert Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard concludes that he felt the book was written too quickly than he preferred, however, my feelings are that The History of Magic and Witchcraft in Wales sticks to an almost case-by-case timeline allowing the reader to gather the whole picture in summary by the end of the book. I personally wanted this book, as part of a wider a research, and thought its examples drew from documented evidence well devised, so my research need was well satisfied. It covers a variety of topics during and after the Reformation, such as cursing (cursing wells), witchcraft trials, conjurers, grimoires, and demonologists. Richard delves into the court records producing witness statements and defences, he recounts particular cases of interest without too much speculation on his own part. The book includes Welsh language terminology, has a small section of illustrations, and extensive notes and reference section. What I like about Richard's writing on this matter is that he does not try and set the mood, or place himself in the research but instead sets the scene and draws for the reader a historical context upon which to desire further investigation into his own findings.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at the belief in witchcraft and magic in Wales, and its’ practitioners, before the decline with the growth of non-conformity and the revival in nineteenth century Wales. The section on cursing wells was particularly interesting.