Witchcraft

by Lucy Philip Mair

Book by Mair, Lucy Philip

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, Religion

Hardcover

Reviews

[Shane Wallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always found Mair's style of writing to be engaging. Indeed when I was first learning about anthropology she was the first anthropologist whose book I read for pure recreation. Her writing style is clear, effective, and engaging. While wider knowledge of anthropological literature is always a bonus, it is not needed to follow or appreciate her arguments. Witchcraft is not an area of social anthropology I am extensively familiar with as it has never entirely captured my attention. However I found this overview of the subject to be incredibly interesting.

The book itself predominantly concerns itself with small-scale societies. Of these there is more of an emphasis on Africa. Although it also covers other regions as well as the witchcraze in the 15th to 18th centuries. Like any overview there is some material which will be familiar to introductory level readers. Witchcraft being attributed to misfortune as demonstrated in the classic granary example. However there was plenty in here that was new to me, for instance the role witchcraft accusations have played in some societies regarding lineage fission. The work on the witchcraze also contained a lot of new material as pointed out by Mair it is not commonly treated in the same way small-scale witchcraft is studied.

I really enjoyed this book and find it an amazing introduction to witchcraft. Despite being published nearly fifty years ago the arguments and analysis appear to still hold contemporary value.

[Sonia Lockler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive overview of African witchcraft written in a conversational style. I didn't feel like I was being lectured but rather discussing this unique and compelling topic over a cup of coffee with a friend who respects the culture

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and useful overview of a complex and interesting subject.

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent read. Chapter 11 was the most notable.