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life of Raymond Buckland, the father of American Witchcraft, in this extensively researched biography based on his own unpublished memoirs.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Drawing on exclusive access to Buckland’s unpublished memoirs, personal letters from Gerald Gardner, and firsthand accounts, Mankey reveals intimate details of Buckland’s remarkable journey.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

[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.