Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland

Palgrave Historical Studies in Witchcraft and Magic

by Andrew Sneddon

This is the first academic overview of Irish witchcraft. Based on a wide range of sources, it is a highly original and innovative study of beneficial and harmful magic, from the later medieval period up until the twentieth century. It examines the dynamics of witchcraft belief and accusation in the early modern period, and offers new explanations for the lack of sustained witch-hunting in Ireland. It demonstrates that during the eighteenth century sections of the educated elite backed away from witchcraft belief for largely ideological reasons, while the witch figure remained a strong part of popular culture. Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland also offers a new interpretation of the role of cunning-folk and popular magic in Irish society, along with a re-assessment of the attitudes of religious authorities, both Protestant and Catholic, to their activities. The way in which suspected witches and cunning-folk were treated by the Irish legal system, both before and after the repeal of the 1586 Irish Witchcraft Act in 1821, is also explored for the first time.

Genres: Witchcraft, History, Nonfiction, Occult, Folklore

231 pages, Hardcover

First published July 29, 2015

Reviews

[David Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book length history of the subject since Seymour's Irish Witchcraft and Demonology, which is so old it is now public domain. Since there is not as much meat on the bones as in other countries, such as England or Scotland where the judicial rolls are rife with trials, it sometimes strays into supposition, but is a fascinating, quick read.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read my review at Celtic Scholar's Reviews and Opinions.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this to help with my thesis. An absolute landmark book for the history of witchcraft and magic in Ireland. An essential read for anyone interested in witch academia in an Irish context. Also has an unreal note section with references galore which is a huge help!

[Kathy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

More cunning folk research. 'Cause that's my jam now, apparently.