Witchcraft in England

6b Christina Hole. Illustrated by Mervyn Peake. London: B. T. Batsford Ltd, 1945. First Edition 

Notes

Witchcraft in England is a fascinating historical exploration of English witchcraft, superstition, and the enduring influence of magical beliefs on British society. Drawing upon historical records, folklore, and accounts of witch trials, Christina Hole examines the evolution of witchcraft from medieval traditions through the persecution of alleged witches in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and the survival of folk magic in later generations. The work considers the social anxieties, religious convictions, and popular beliefs that shaped accusations of sorcery, offering insight into the complex relationship between folklore and history. Particularly noteworthy are the illustrations by Mervyn Peake (1911–1968), the celebrated British artist and author of the Gormenghast novels, whose imaginative, atmospheric artwork complements the book's darker subject matter. Published during the final months of the Second World War, this volume is an appealing example of mid-twentieth-century British folklore scholarship, combining historical curiosity with the distinctive artistry of one of Britain's most imaginative illustrators.

Christina Hole was a respected English folklorist, historian, and author whose extensive research into British customs, superstitions, witchcraft, and traditional beliefs made her an important contributor to twentieth-century folklore studies. A longtime member of the Folklore Society, she served as editor of its journal, Folklore, and devoted much of her career to documenting regional traditions and practices that were gradually disappearing from everyday life. Her publications include Traditions and Customs of Cheshire (1937), English Folklore (1940), Witchcraft in England (1945), and A Dictionary of British Folk Customs (1976). Hole's scholarship drew upon historical documents, oral traditions, and regional studies, reflecting her particular interest in the relationship between ancient beliefs and modern social customs. Her accessible writing helped bring the serious study of folklore to a wider readership, preserving valuable accounts of Britain's cultural heritage.

Description 

Red canvas binding with gilt lettering to spine. Original pictorial dust jacket with striking image by illustrator Mervyn Peake. Some chipping along extremities of jacket. Very good condition overall.