books review

Philip Carr-Gomm & Owen Davies

Edinburgh International Book Festival/ Literature And Culture.

Merlin, Gandalf, Dumbledore: popular literature is littered with white-bearded men waving magic wands and incanting spells. Less attention has been given to the historical magical tradition behind these depictions, a subject to which these authors bring very different insights: Owen Davies, a social historian, has examined Grimoires, ancient spell books with origins in the earliest forms of writing, while Philip Carr-Gomm, the leader of a modern Druidic order (although without flowing robes or magician's staff) takes a less academic approach, including spells to try at home and maps of powerful sacred places in his 'Book Of English Magic'. Whether you're a sceptic or would-be wizard, this was a fascinating discussion about a topic that has long excited the imagination.

Peppers Theatre, 27 Aug, 11.00am

published: Sep-2009

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