Christina Hole - Witchcraft in England - 1945

Witchcraft in England by Christina Hole
First Edition, Second Impression, 1945
Rare Antique Book, Hardback

Printed in London: B.T. Batsford Ltd, 1945.
A detailed historical and folklore study of witchcraft in England, combining narrative history with Peake’s distinctive illustrative work.

A lovely copy of the genuine first edition of folklorist Christina Hole’s fascinating study of witchcraft in England. Published in Spring 1945, this is the true first edition, not the much more common second impression, making it a particularly scarce and desirable copy.

This brief history of English occult practices is an illustrated survey of ancient rites and sorcery. The contents of this volume feature:
- Art of Magic
- Witchcraft and Religion
- Maleficium
- Familiars
- Discovery of Witches
- Fraud and Malice
- Alien Worship
- White Witch
- Witchcraft in High Places
- Prophets and Astrologers
- Decline of Belief
- Ebbing Tide

A very well-written and engaging account, featuring fascinating stories and beautifully atmospheric illustrations by Mervyn Peake (1911–1968), best known as the author of the Gormenghast trilogy.

Christina Hole was an award-winning writer and was considered one of Britain’s leading authorities on English folk customs and culture for many years.

The book is in lovely condition overall. The pages are clean and tidy, with only a small number of light, scattered foxing spots.

A wonderful example for collectors of folklore, witchcraft, English social history, and Mervyn Peake’s work, particularly given the rarity of the genuine 1945 first edition.