Description
‘An inventive, authoritative and lively history of paganism and magic, with a practical twist. It deserves a wide readership.’ BBC History Magazine
‘At last, we have a history of British Paganism written from the inside, by someone who not only has a good knowledge of the sources, but explicitly understands how Pagans and magicians think.’ Ronald Hutton, writer of The Witch
Miracles of Our Own Making is a historical overview of magic in the British Isles, from the ancient peoples of Britain to the rich and cosmopolitan landscape of latest paganism. We explore the beliefs of the Druids, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, the alchemy of the Elizabethan Court and the witch trials. We encounter grimoires, ceremonial magic and the Romantic revival of arcane deities. The influential and well known – the Golden Dawn, Wicca and figures such as Aleister Crowley – are thought to be alongside the on a regular basis ‘cunning folk’ who formed the magical fabric of previous centuries.
Ranging widely across literature, art, science and beyond, Liz Williams debunks some of the prevailing myths surrounding magical practice, past and present, at the same time as offering a rigorously researched and highly accessible account of what it means to be a pagan today.
‘In this highly engaging and informative book Liz Williams shares her wide knowledge of British Paganism up to now and present. From druids to grimoires, and antiquarians to occultists, the book is rich in detail and interesting characters.’ Owen Davies, writer of Grimoires and editor of The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic
‘An absolute should for somebody interested in the development of paganism in the modern world. I will not recommend this book enough.’ Janet Farrar, co-writer (with Stewart Farrar) of A Witches’ Bible
‘An informative and well-informed history of paganism, sensibly written with both knowledge and sympathy.’ Carolyne Larrington, writer of The Land of the Green Man
‘With good sense and sound judgment, our amiable guide takes us on a magical journey from the ancient world to the present day . . . a fine overview of the mysterious and complex history of magic.’ Thomas Waters, writer of Cursed Britain
