High Priest: Raymond Buckland, the Father of American Witchcraft

by Jason Mankey, Raymond Buckland (primary_contributor)

Explore the life of Raymond Buckland, the father of American Witchcraft, in this extensively researched biography based on his own unpublished memoirs.

Casting new light on one of the first modern self-identifying witches in the US, Jason Mankey invites you deep into Buckland’s life. Known for bringing Wicca to America and sharing it through his writing, Buckland penned more than forty titles, placing him among the most prolific occult authors of all time.

Drawing on exclusive access to Buckland’s unpublished memoirs, personal letters from Gerald Gardner, and firsthand accounts, Mankey reveals intimate details of Buckland’s remarkable journey. From his Romany roots and his childhood during WWII to his transatlantic move and initiation into Gardnerian Witchcraft, this biography covers it all, including a special section on the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft.

 

• Features brief remembrances from Alaric Albertson, Selena Fox, Silver RavenWolf, and others

• Includes a twelve-page color insert featuring photos of Buckland, his family, and memorabilia

Genres: Biography, Wicca

384 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2025

Reviews

[Matal “The Mischling Princess” Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Mankey’s “High Priest: Raymond Buckland, the Father of American Witchcraft,” is a well-written biography. Buckland shared a love of theater. Although it’s not noted in this biography, it was a passion that he shared with fellow witch Patricia Crowther.

As I was reading this book, I was struck by how Llewelyn authors have no “…final say…” over either the titles of their book or even the subtitles (pg. 268). This alerted me instantly to micromanagement, and it only got worse—to the point of being control freaks. The video is a case in point.

On page 230, Mankey discusses the video, “Witchcraft: Yesterday and Today” (later released as, “Witchcraft: Rebirth of the Old Religion”), featuring Buckland and a cast of several others. Someone quite familiar to the publishers was creating the video. And yes, Llewelyn was paying for it and knew what the video contained. Usually, you pay (or finance) and let the professionals complete the job. Afterwards, you review the project. But the publisher wanted IMAGES—not CVs, mind you, but photographs—of the cast who were appearing in the video. So, what would have happened if one of them was overweight? Or was missing a limb? What would the publishers have done then? It left a bad taste in my mouth; image isn’t “everything” but content IS.

Buckland had an enormous influence on the American witchcraft community. In many ways, he reminded me of Gerald Gardner and fell into many of the same traps (e.g., falsifying academic credentials, and etc.). But like Gardner and Buckland, all humans have failings and Buckland was able to move past many of his.

Mankey did a superb job researching Buckland’s life. However, he left out information on his children. Although they’re mentioned, the author didn’t discuss the impact that the early death of his son had on him; I would have liked to have read more about this. Overall, this was an excellent book.

[Helen Griffus · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting read! Jason has done a masterful job of bringing to life the story of Raymond Buckland. This work is filled with truths, even if they may change the perception of how we see this venerated elder of the Craft, and gives wonderful insights into the life of a man. It's truly worth the read.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gods this was good. The story Mankey weaves about Buckland is factual and insightful. The chapters become better and better up until the one about Uncle Buckie’s Big Blue Book, then there was a slight slog, but if you push through it the final chapter “Immortality” is really rewarding and beautiful.

I loved all the “remembering Ray” sections as well as the selection of snippets from Buckland’s work.

[A Vanore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good biography and this one never fails to deliver. I confess to being a big fan of Mankey's work, so I'm probably a bit biased.

This work can be a bit dry and pedantic from time to time, but these are qualities I genuinely appreciate in a good biography. Mankey's research is fantastic. There are some factual errors, primarily in historical symbology and human relationships, but being real this is witchcraft and everybody has their own perspective (and, sometimes, their own version of the truth).

There is a wonderful sense of humor in Mankey's writing that really lends itself to Buckland's spirit! This is a work of love, respect, kindness, and mindfulness. In my top witch biographies of All Time.

[M Aghazarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit longer than I think strictly necessary, and there were parts where the author's conclusion about Ray's actions or decisions seem somewhat misaligned (i.e. presenting him in a more positive light than the facts do), but I think this was a great overview both of his personal life as well as the introduction and rise of Wicca in America. I visited the Buckland Museum in 2019, and now that I have the greater cultural context for it, would like to visit again.

[Todd Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for pagans of any sort

An excellent biography. The author clearly explains his sources. Embellishments are at a minimum. A fascinating read to discover a great man, and witch.

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The "Remembering Ray" sections were some of my favorites. I also liked how pieces of Buckland's work were tied in at the end of each chapter.

[Gwydion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good biography of Raymond Buckland.