Description
This semi-encyclopedic field guide to the witches, charmers, wisefolk, conjurors, necromancers and other magical practitioners that exist in the folklore of Wales and the Borders traverses the glorious countryside of Wales through its magical inhabitants.
With over 100 entries focussed on individual stories or figures, the work seeks to introduce historical figures and legendary characters that remain relatively unknown outside of Wales. Meet the famous Dr Joseph Harries of Cwrt-y-Cadno as he conjures his spirits; or run from the yellow-faced Y Hen Gwrach who dwells in the bogland before she blows disease into your face. Listen to the legend of the Llandonna witches and their landing on Anglesey, and walk the bridge where the devil was outsmarted by a cunning magician.
A sourcebook of authentic folklore about Welsh witches, charmers, wisefolk,conjurers, necromancers and other magical practitioners.
About the Author
Benjamin Stimpson, BA (Hons), MBACP is an author, independent folklorist and therapist. He is the author of Ancestral Whispers (Sept 2023, Llewellyn Worldwide), which to date has sold over 2,000 copies and has won the industry-specific COVR Award Gold medal. He holds a BA in Classical and Medieval Studies from the University of Waterloo. He is the host of the podcast 'Essence with Ben Stimpson'. Aside from his writing work, Ben has connections to the modern NeoPagan and Witchcraft community.
Reviews
'This is a wonderful collection of folk stories about witches and magicians recorded in Wales over the past five hundred years, assembled with meticulous scholarly care: the most comprehensive ever gathered.'
-- Professor Ronald Edmund Hutton, historian specialising in early modern Britain, British folklore, pre-Christian religion, modern paganism and author'This is a delightful book that gives a window into the rich folklore and magical heritage of Wales. It forcefully demonstrates the value of local knowledge, and a reminder that the landscape is steeped in tales of the supernatural.'
-- Dr Tabitha Stanmore, Historian of early modern magic and witchcraft, author of Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic'Ben Stimpson has produced an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to take a deeper exploration of the folklore of Cymru (Wales) and it's borders. Presenting lore, myth, and historical accounts of the shifting magical customs and traditions of the past; Of Doves and Ravens is essential for anyone who wishes to better understand the lore of Cymru, and is also of value to the discerning magical practitioner'
-- Craig Spencer, Lancashire Witch and Author of Witchcraft Unchained: Exploring the History & Traditions of British Craft'Of Doves and Ravens is a love letter to the magical land and cunning folk of Cymru (Wales), a rich collection of folk and historical tales, and a glimpse into an ancient knowing that the world is filled with magic. This book offers a doorway into an oral tradition rooted deep in the landscape and way of life of real folk, including many tales of the people themselves. I love how Ben Stimpson illuminates that connection between locale and story, revealing true magic at home in places you can reach out and touch, places you can, and I in fact do, live in. This is a wondrous and comprehensive companion for storytellers looking for the cunning folk of this land, modern magical folk seeking the roots of our work, and lovers of Cymru alike, weaving a vivid picture of the evolution of that relationship between witches and magicians, stories, and the wild green land of Wales. As a storyteller and magician in West Wales this book is a feast that I'll be sharing with my ancestors of land and magic for a long time to come.'
-- Dr. Halo Quin, storyteller, modern pagan witch, and author of several books including "Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits", "Gods and Goddesses of Wales", and "Storytelling for Magic""A vivid, carefully sourced journey through the magical figures and folk beliefs of Welsh tradition-wise folk, witches, and conjurors deeply rooted in their landscapes and communities. Drawing from a rich well of original folklore texts and rare archival material, Benjamin Stimpson preserves the eerie strangeness of traditional lore while offering clear, thoughtful context. This accessible and affectionate tribute to a complex and captivating heritage will appeal to anyone curious about the entwined histories of magic, folklore, and place."
-- Mark Rees, journalist, podcaster, and author of Ghosts of Wales and The A-Z of Curious WalesBook Information
ISBN 9781837050093
Author Benjamin Stimpson
Format Hardback
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd
