Cecil Williamson's Book of Witchcraft. A Grimoire of the Museum of Witchcraft.
London: Troy Books, 2016. First Revised Edition. Hardcover. Large octavo. 304pp. Black cloth with gilt device to upper board, and gilt lettering to spine, sewn binding. This is a second printing with revisions to the text from the 2014 first edition - hence, First revised edition. From the publisher: "In 1996, whilst helping the then new owner Graham King in refurbishments to the Museum of Witchcraft, Steve happened upon a handwritten manuscript entitled simply ‘Witchcraft’ and containing an intriguing pot-pourri of esoterica from the hand of the Museum's founder; Cecil Williamson. It is this manuscript which provides the basis for Steve's book which includes a full annotated transcript of the ‘Witchcraft’ manuscript, a history of Cecil Williamson and the Museum of Witchcraft, a treatise on Cecil Williamson’s vision of traditional Witchcraft - the practices and the philosophy of the wayside witches, an account of his meetings with Aleister Crowley and Gerald Gardner, and a controversial account of his witnessing of the birth of ‘Wicca’. The book is both a valuable reliquary of practices for the traditional witch, and a resource for folklorists and historians alike; telling the tale of a hitherto largely ignored, but hugely influential episode in modern occult history, and one of the great unsung heroes of the twilight world of folklore and witchcraft. A full annotated transcript of Cecil Williamson’s “Witchcraft” manuscript. A History of Cecil Williamson and the Museum of Witchcraft. A treatise on Cecil Williamson’s vision of traditional Witchcraft - the practices and the philosophy of the wayside witches. An account of his meetings with Alistair (sic) Crowley and Gerald Gardner, and a controversial account of his witnessing of the birth of ‘Wicca’." Contents include: Book One - The 'WITCHCRAFT' Notebook: Spells and Charms; Notes for 'Spells and Charms'; Divination; Notes for 'Divination'; Amulets; Notes for 'Amulets'; Magical Figures; Notes for 'Magical Figures'. Book Two - Cecil Williamson - A West Country Cunning Man: The Cecil Williamson Story; Notes for 'The Cecil Williamson Story'; Meeting with such Fascinating Persons; Notes for 'Meeting with such Fascinating Persons'; The Spider's Web; Notes for 'The Spider's Web'; Come Drink... From the Cup of Forbidden Knowledge!; Notes for 'Come Drink... From the Cup of Forbidden Knowledge!'. Appendices. Bibliography. Index. The faintest of bruising to the upper corners and spine ends, a few minute rubbed spots to the front board. Still - a lovely copy otherwise in near Fine condition. Issued without a dust jacket, thus none present. Item #64231
ISBN: 9781909602090
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