Miracles of Our Own Making: A History of Paganism

(Paperback)

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Description

Now available in B-format paperback, Miracles of Our Own Making is a historical overview of magic in the British Isles, from the ancient peoples of Britain to the rich and cosmopolitan landscape of contemporary paganism. We explore the beliefs of the Druids, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, the alchemy of the Elizabethan Court and the witch trials. We encounter grimoires, ceremonial magic and the Romantic revival of arcane deities. The influential and well known the Golden Dawn, Wicca and figures such as Aleister Crowley are considered alongside the everyday cunning folk who formed the magical fabric of previous centuries.

Ranging widely across literature, art, science and beyond, Liz Williams debunks many of the prevailing myths surrounding magical practice, past and present, while offering a rigorously researched and highly accessible account of what it means to be a pagan today.

Reviews

'At last, we have a history of British Paganism written from the inside, by somebody who not only has a good knowledge of the sources, but explicitly understands how Pagans and magicians think.'-Ronald Hutton 'Paganism has a mysterious, complicated history. In Miracles of Our Own Making, Liz Williams cheerfully guides her readers through the mists that too often shroud this fascinating topic. With good sense and sound judgment, our amiable guide takes us on a magical journey from the ancient world to the present day. Along the way, she highlights common pitfalls and evaluates how far contemporary paganism is indeed rooted in historical magical traditions . . . Although primarily focused on Britain, Miracles of Our Own Making is a wide-ranging book. Topics covered include Viking runes, Anglo-Saxon leechcraft, Tarot cards, Hellfire clubs, Druids, the Golden Dawn and much more. Throughout, Williams eschews unnecessary controversy and avoids unproductive conflict. Instead, she synthesizes a litany of key primary and secondary sources, and does so with tolerance, kindness, and sympathy. Those drawn towards pagan paths will find Miracles of Our Own Making a fine overview of the mysterious and complex history of magic.'-Thomas Waters, author of Cursed Britain: A History of Witchcraft and Black Magic in Modern Times 'An absolute must for anyone interested in the development of paganism in the modern world. I cannot recommend this book enough.'-Janet Farrar, co-author, with Stewart Farrar, of A Witches Bible '[An] engaging and often entertaining history of all strands of paganism and magic, taking in witchcraft, shamanism, Druidry, heathenry and more. The author is a level-headed journalist, SF author and practising witch, who nevertheless has zero tolerance for woo-woo, a fact which makes this particularly accessible.'-The Bookseller 'An informative and well-informed history of paganism, sensibly written with both knowledge and sympathy.'-Carolyne Larrington, author of The Land of the Green Man and Professor of Medieval European Literature at the University of Oxford 'In this highly engaging and informative book Liz Williams shares her wide knowledge of British Paganism in the past and present. From druids to grimoires, and antiquarians to occultists, the book is rich in detail and interesting characters.'-Owen Davies, author of Grimoires and editor of The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic 'Williams brings her own lively curiosity and frame of reference to the work one of the book's strengths is that it is so inviting . . . History should engage with readers intelligently, accurately and respectfully. This is an inventive, authoritative and lively history of paganism and magic, with a practical twist. It deserves a wide readership.'-Marion Gibson, BBC History Magazine 'The author writes in an easy, fluid way, avoiding jargon or explaining it when it is unavoidable, steering well clear of academic complexity for its own sake, and happy to insert a humorous touch where appropriate . . . for someone with a sympathetic interest in the topic who wants to understand it more fully, I think it would be hard to find a better guide.'-Magonia Review of Books 'a witty and clear-sighted account of paganism and magic in Britain over the past 2,000 years. Where evidence is lacking, Liz Williams doesn't speculate. In fact, she sets out to "debunk some of the prevailing myths" . . . Altogether this is an informative and entertaining round-up.'-Fortean Times

Author Bio

Liz Williams holds a PhD in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge and is a widely published writer and journalist. She lives in Glastonbury, where she co-owns a witchcraft shop, and where she also lectures in creative writing.