Author Description

The West Country of England, encompassing the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset, is a region rich in legend, lore and folk magic. Included in these practices was the diabolical art of witchcraft, empowered by traffic with demons and land-spirits, and heir to such practices as 'owl-blinking', or casting a curse by means of the Evil Eye. This second volume of Michael Howard's Witchcraft in the British Isles series examines the historical witchcraft practices and characters of the West Country, their connection with the land, and their enduring legacy in the modern era. Among the many colorful practitioners examined are necromancer Tamsin Blight, Reverend Harris of Hennock, Madam Joan Carne, and the irascible Cornish witch Granny Boswell. Also examined is the magic of West Country charmer Cecil Williamson, founder of the Museum of Witchcraft. First published in 2010 in hardcover, this second edition is newly designed and includes 10 illustrations. --Publisher