Richard Suggett

Richard concludes that he felt the book was written too quickly than he preferred, however, my feelings are that The History of Magic and Witchcraft in Wales sticks to an almost case-by-case timeline allowing the reader to gather the whole picture in summary by the end of the book. I personally wanted this book, as part of a wider a research, and thought its examples drew from documented evidence well devised, so my research need was well satisfied. It covers a variety of topics during and after the Reformation, such as cursing (cursing wells), witchcraft trials, conjurers, grimoires, and demonologists. Richard delves into the court records producing witness statements and defences, he recounts particular cases of interest without too much speculation on his own part. The book includes Welsh language terminology, has a small section of illustrations, and extensive notes and reference section. What I like about Richard's writing on this matter is that he does not try and set the mood, or place himself in the research but instead sets the scene and draws for the reader a historical context upon which to desire further investigation into his own findings.… (mehr)