Nigel G. Pearson

"The Devil's Plantation: East Anglian Lore, Witchcraft & Folk Magic" by Nigel Pearson is thoroughly enjoyable! To clarify, the title is from the name of a spellbook and East Anglia included what is now Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. These tales and folk ways are direct expressions of the culture and history of those who live in this region. As such, the author is consistently respectful of their superstitions and beliefs.

Of the many fascinating things you'll find in here is the "drowned city" of Dunwich and the bones that rain down from its cliffs. Then the Gog Magog Hills of Cambridge. The Land Wights will accept offerings from humans but the Yarthkins will not. And one must lay flat on ones face, holding ones breath, to avoid a Lantern Man. To prevent a Ferisher from riding your horses at night, keep a hagstone tied to the stable door. The story of the Green Children will fascinate you, but the fenland children can be deadly.

You'll cheer for Tom Hickathrift in his fight against an ogre and a rich and powerful lord. And in the town of Bungay it's true that archaeologists dug up a 7ft tall dog after tales of a devilish hound, Black Shuck. And did you know, that the standard cone-shaped hat and black cloak of a witch came from Trinity Hospital in Norfolk? The original widows who lived there were assigned these garments but formed a coven. You'll meet Old Tilly, Sue Isbill, Mother Staselton and even the witch of Flitcham who cured the Prince of Wales!

One of the final chapters, "Witch Ways," explores the traditional methods of cunning men and women, aka Crafters. Not your modern Wicca. There is also the Green Ways: a chapter that discusses the role of Crafters as skilled herbalists and the significance of certain plants. Overall a well-structured, easy to read reference and a great compilation of a unique folk culture.… (mer)