The Book of English Magic

[Philip]

I have just been commissioned to write a new book on Magic, The Book of English Magic, with Richard Heygate, a long term Druid and personal friend. The book will be full of real examples of how magic is alive and well in our world. Richard has just published a wonderful book on the countryside, called "Endangered Species". You can see it, plus film clips of the characters involved on http://www.bartandbounder.com

[Seeker]

Sounds interesting! Best of luck to you and Richard and let us know how your progress goes...

[Kat Lady]

John Murrays have just commissioned a new book from the Bart, co-authored by Philip Carr-Gomm, an expert in Magic.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Seriously, it sounds like it will be a wonderful book and one that would be worth adding to any library.

[Donata]

Congratulations! I look forward to the publication!

BB
Donata

[shirley mclaren]

It will be good to see a book on real magic, and not the "bell, book and candle" kind. Good luck with it.

BB

Shirley

[RedKite]

Aaaaahhh!

I'd heard that Phillip was going away for a spell....

Now I understand....

Very best wishes with this new venture

[Phyto]

All the best with it Chosen Chief.

I love the biography; it's changed my take on one nursery rhyme - "Oh the Grand Old Duke York, he had ten thousand men ... and a personal banker"

[Merlyn]

The Book of English Magic
I have a spot in the library waiting for it

[Merlin Stargazer]

Good luck with it!

[Dai]

Exiciting news But would you please tell us about the orientation of the book by comparison with others? I have read your Druidcraft, Anglo Saxon Magic by Bill Griffiths and the Druid Magic Handbook by John MIchael Greer and respectively found them all-encomapassing, factual and practical. Also, Greer asserted that most work on druid magic had sourced the Druidry revival periods and implied that there was practically no way of authenticating them. I wonder how old English magic can be traced back and how authentic it would be. Any tips would be appreciated.

Warm wishes

Dai

[Beith]

Hi,

Just wondering if there's any news of the book (or should I go away and stop asking awkward questions?!) - would love to know more about its focus and content and when /where it will be available for purchase!

disappearing in a puff of smoke,

{cough}
Beith

[Philip]

I've been so busy writing I've missed these posts!

The book will be out June next year - all 448 pages of it in hardback - details here:
http://philipcarrgomm.druidry.org/books.htm

A quick
A quick:
Then back to work:

[rheygate]

.... or those wanting to know what is happening with the book can become a member of our "Social Group" as set up by Philip at http://englishmagic.ning.com/ . Incidentally, it is now finished - a mega effort - over 500 pages. Every source of magic is described, and there is even an encounter with Merlin in the wet Welsh woods. Richard

[Beith]

Hello Rheygate,

Thank you for the link and information.
Congrats to you and Philip for finishing your book. Do you think it would be possible to publish a contents list here/ or outline the type of contents that can be found therein?

It would be very interesting to have a preview for ourselves, not to mention generating a little pre-market interest for yourselves.

kind regards,
Beith

[Explorer]

I just finished it. A very entertaining and enlightening book.

This is (fortunately) not another book that tries to teach a specific magical tradition. Instead it sheds light on the confusing and fascinating magical landscape that spans time, space and traditions. My bookshelf has enough magical training books that leave me with raised eyebrows because it is often unclear where certain claims or truths come from, like the gwersi also can do. This book fills some gaps there. I especially liked the bravely generalizing section of comparisons between pagans, chaos magicians, and new agers. Page 489 taught me that I am considered a 'fluffy bunny' who listens to folk rock hahaha. (I wonder if that was Philip or Richard talking).

The book itself is beautiful. Thick, friendly with a light atmosphere. Nice pictures, helpful links and tips about what to do next. It's almost like browsing through a travel book. And it feels very much alive because of the interviews with living people in different traditions.

One little point of critique, although I should have expected it from the title. England is seen as the center of the world and I was surprised to read that Druidry and Anglo-Saxon magic originate in England, that seems like stretching it a little.

[Serpentia]

I was eagerly waiting for that book and - well, it did not disappoint me, but it was different from what I had expected. Still, it is very interesting reading, an excellent summary and I would gladly recommend it to anybody interested in the facts of Magic.. whatever that may be

I was surprised to read that Druidry and Anglo-Saxon magic originate in England, that seems like stretching it a little

Hihi, especially after Philipp spoke on their origins actually being in Germany - during the seminar he gave here in May, really. We were truly fascinated - and quite surprised! - by what a rich magical history we had, which was obviously lost in two World Wars, or rather their political and social ramifications.

I would safely guess that mainland Europe is more the cradle, but England may have been the halfway house for wayward magickans for many centuries

Definitely a reference book we should have read and refer to, though!

Petra

[elaineb]

I have just ordered this from Amazon. Looking forward to reading it.
I too am an author. In May 2009 the first book in The Jewel Keepers Trilogy was published by Kings Hart Books. If any of you are interested you can find out more about it on my website www.thejewelkeepers.com
Many thanks, Elaine

[druidbiker]

So how many of you have read the book & what do you think of it.

I read the book a few months back & had the pleasure of meeting phillip in person at a moot in portsmouth.

[BKBR]

A short review I wrote after reading it earlier this month.

"The Book of English Magic just became available last month on this side of the pond. I picked up my copy a several days ago and while I’m not new to many of the subjects covered in this hefty book I find it is written well for new and old alike.

It is a delightful read unlike many occult books I’ve read in the past and full of many pearls of wisdom. Underlying message starting with chapter one is the importance of intent and discretion. Building upon this through the books dozen chapters one is also blessed with tools to walk diligently along ones spiritual path.

The Book of English Magic is “The Joy of Cooking” for the magical arts and I highly recommend it."

[Darrel]

Yes, I read this book and greatly enjoyed it. I particularly like were the sections at the end of each chapter, talking to a particular practitioner of the subject discussed in that chapter, suggestions as to things one can do if further interested, including exercises, and a bibliography, websites, useful addresses. Definitely a book to keep. And a beautifully bound and decorated book too.