My Review of The Witchcraft of Dame Darrel of York by Charles Leland
Let’s get this out of the way right from the start. BUY THIS BOOK. Yes, I know it’s rather pricey at $65. I don’t care. You won’t either, not once you crack this thing open. The Witchcraft of Dame Darrel of York by Charles Leland is something altogether special. It’s one of those rare events in publishing when a book is so lovingly crafted, so expertly reproduced, that you are emotionally drawn into it.
I was affected in just such a way by this marvelous work.
You already know about my admiration for Charles Leland, particularly of his Aradia: The Gospel of the Witches, but The Witchcraft of Dame Darrel of York is even more illuminating. Leland’s complete masterpiece is reproduced here, each a perfect facsimile of the original handwritten and drawn pages. And what pages they are. Leland’s artwork is sublime and whimsical, a true testament to his craftsmanship, and the fanciful content — this collection of folk magic and compendium of boggarts, sprites, pixies, nightmares, and more — is a treasure.
In addition to the facsimile pages is a complete transcription of the text and a thorough introduction by Societas Magica co-founder Professor Robert Mathiesen.
To write that I was immediately enamored by this book is an obvious understatement. It has scarcely left my sight since I first opened it. I understand that Dame Darrel is the fictitious creation of Charles Leland, but this does not diminish the sense of magic and wonder discovered inside. As a work of art alone this book is a marvel. The content, this gathering of Old World folklore, makes The Witchcraft of Dame Darrel of York all the more compelling for, just as he did with Aradia, Charles Leland caught lightning in a bottle and the thunder of his words conveys a simpler truth from a simpler time.
The Witchcraft of Dame Darrel of York is available wherever books are sold but more magically delicious when ordered directly from Red Wheel/Weiser.
September 12, 2011 at 5:33 pm
I want this so bad it’s like I have to pee! I first heard of it a few days ago and since then it has been at the top of my “Expensive Book” list. After reading Aradia I’ve been trying to get a lot of what Leland has written. His writing is so simple but with a store of knowledge. I can’t wait to purchase this book and delve into the beauty that is British Folk magic and lore.
September 13, 2011 at 11:37 am
It’s well worth the price of admission.
September 14, 2011 at 12:21 am
Considering the high quality of the full color PLUS Gold Bordering on every facsimile page it really is a bargain. This is the kind of book that you don’t hide on your shelves. This is the item that sits out in full view. The important thing to remember about The Witchcraft of Dame Darrel is that Leland created this work for HIMSELF. This was his personal attempt to compile what he thought was important to keep and treasure. The Witches Almanac has rescued it from the bowels of an academic burial and brought it to you in all the glory of it’s original state. It’s like getting a peek into the mans mind. This is an extraordinary opportunity.
September 14, 2011 at 2:38 am
I couldn’t agree more.
September 29, 2011 at 1:12 am
[...] his monumental The Witchcraft of Dame Darrell of York (watch this space for an upcoming review, but Bob Freeman has already weighed in on [...]
December 20, 2011 at 8:43 am
[...] Published by Weiser Books, Charles Leland’s masterpiece is lovingly reproduced. This book totally blew me away. Truly a thing of beauty. You can read my review HERE. [...]