This Element explores thirteen innovative tools for researching magic and witchcraft through a creative-academic lens. Drawing on a unique collaboration between a playwright, a poet, and a historian, the book presents methods for engaging with the mystery of magic rather than demystifying it, using case studies from France between 1790 and 1940. The authors argue that by 'untelling' dominant narratives, researchers can challenge stereotypes and foster new ways of understanding belief in witchcraft.

The book offers a novel approach to studying historical magic by integrating creative methodologies with academic rigor. Its interdisciplinary nature, combining playwriting, poetry, and history, suggests a unique perspective on how to engage with esoteric subjects. The focus on 'untelling' dominant narratives and preserving the mystery of magic indicates a critical stance towards traditional historical analysis. The inclusion of practical exercises and primary source materials from French archives points to a resource valuable for both scholars and creative practitioners interested in the history of witchcraft.