Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling. Illustrated by Incantations, Specimens of Medical Magic, Anecdotes, Tales.
New York, NY: University Books, 1964. Second Printing of New Edition. Hardcover. Large octavo. xxxiv + 272pp + viii. Green cloth with gilt titling and illustration to spine; index, b&w, illustrations. The second printing of the first US edition of this work which was published by University Books in 1962 (having previously been published in the UK in 1891). Philadelphia-born Charles G. Leland was a scholar and folklorist who moved to England in 1870 and from there travelled widely in Europe during which time he learned to speak the Romany language of the Gypsies, and was accepted into Gypsy circles, who freely shared their knowledge of traditional witchcraft, talismanic magic, amulets, etc. with him. Although he is now best known for his "Aradia: Gospel of the Witches," a book which had a profound impact on the modern rebirth of witchcraft, Leland was previously most widely recognised for his studies of gypsy lore, of which this was the final. In addition to the complete original text, this edition includes a new Introduction by Margery Silver. Just a hint of general shelfwear, slight fading and bruising to spine ends, top edge slightly darkened - otherwise a tight, unmarked VG+ copy in VG + dust jacket (Dust jacket is a bit chafed at spine ends, not clipped. Now in protective mylar cover). Item #67916
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