Synopses & Reviews
The practice of black magic is as common in modern times as it was in medieval days or any other era, asserts the dean of occult writers, Montague Summers. A Roman Catholic priest and eminent scholar, Summers wrote several authoritative books on witchcraft, demonology, and vampirism. In this accessible work, he draws upon his considerable expertise to offer persuasive evidence that witchcraft is no mere historical question, but a lively factor in contemporary issues of politics and society.
"My aim throughout is to show how the profession and practice of witchcraft are the same always and in all places," Summers explains, "be it in some remote English village, in a quiet cathedral city, or in the hinterlands of Jamaica or Africa." Focusing on England and English witchcraft of the early twentieth century, this captivating volume explores covens, black masses, and the casting of spells for ordinary mischief as well as for elaborate plots.
Synopsis
Contents: of the practice and profession of witchcraft, of the contract and of the familiar; of the practice of witchcraft, malice and mischief of witches, the devil's mark and the Grimoire; of witches covens and their Grand Masters, journey to the Sabbat, Sabbat orgy; black mass and loves of the incubi and succubi; English witchcraft from the beginning until the repeal of the law in 1736; English witchcraft from the passing of the Statute of 1736 until the present day. Illustrated.
Synopsis
Catholic priest and eminent scholar, Montague Summers firmly believed in witchcraft, demonology, and vampirism, about which he wrote several authoritative books. As the title indicates, this is a
popular history, offering everything you ever wanted to know about black magic, from ordinary mischief to elaborate hexes.