The history of paganism books dates back to ancient times when paganism was a prominent religious practice. Paganism refers to a diverse set of religious and spiritual beliefs that existed before the rise of Christianity and Islam. During the early days of paganism, oral traditions were the primary means of passing down religious knowledge and beliefs. However, with the advent of writing systems, paganism books began to emerge. These books often contained rituals, prayers, myths, and other sacred texts that were important to various pagan traditions. Some of the earliest known pagan texts are the Hittite and Sumerian texts, which date back to around 2000 BCE.
Miracles of Our Own Making: A History of Paganism (Paperback)
A bewitching and authoritative historical overview of magic in the British Isles, from the ancient peoples of Britain to the rich and cosmopolitan landscape of contemporary paganism.
“An absolute must for anyone interested in the development of paganism in the modern world. I cannot recommend this book enough.”—Janet Farrar, coauthor of A Witches’ Bible
“At last, we have a history of British Paganism written from the inside, by somebody who not only has a good knowledge of the sources, but explicitly understands how Pagans and magicians think.”—Ronald Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon and The Witch
What do we mean by “paganism”—druids, witches, and occult rituals? Healing charms and forbidden knowledge? Miracles of Our Own Making is a historical overview of pagan magic in the British Isles, from the ancient peoples of Britain to the rich and cosmopolitan landscape of contemporary paganism. Exploring the beliefs of the druids, Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings, as well as Elizabethan Court alchemy and witch trials, we encounter grimoires, ceremonial magic, and the Romantic revival of arcane deities. The influential and well-known—the Golden Dawn, Wicca, and figures such as Aleister Crowley—are considered alongside the everyday “cunning folk” who formed the magical fabric of previous centuries. Ranging widely across literature, art, science, and beyond, Liz Williams debunks many of the prevailing myths surrounding magical practice, past and present, while offering a rigorously researched and highly accessible account of what it means to be a pagan today.
About the Author
Liz Williams holds a PhD in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge and is a widely published writer and journalist. She lives in Glastonbury, where she co-owns a witchcraft shop, and where she also lectures in creative writing.
Praise For…
" Miracles of Our Own Making is, in certain respects, less a history and more an inside job of sorts by a serious practitioner who prefers authenticity to mystical pantomime. As Williams shows, there is no need for the son et lumière of fabrication; the evolution of magic is so compellingly strange and beautiful in its truth that, even in these improbable times, it bewitches without effort."
— Australian
"[An] engaging and often entertaining history of all strands of paganism and magic, taking in witchcraft, shamanism, Druidry, heathenry, and more. The author is a 'level-headed' journalist, SF author, and practicing witch, who nevertheless has zero tolerance for woo-woo, a fact which makes this particularly accessible."
— Bookseller
"Williams brings her own lively curiosity and frame of reference to the work—one of the book's strengths is that it is so inviting. . . . History should engage with readers intelligently, accurately, and respectfully. This is an inventive, authoritative, and lively history of paganism and magic, with a practical twist. It deserves a wide readership."
— Marion Gibson
"A witty and clear-sighted account of paganism and magic in Britain over the past two-thousand years. Where evidence is lacking, Williams doesn't speculate. In fact, she sets out to 'debunk some of the prevailing myths.' . . . Altogether this is an informative and entertaining roundup."
— Fortean Times
"The author writes in an easy, fluid way, avoiding jargon—or explaining it when it is unavoidable, steering well clear of academic complexity for its own sake, and happy to insert a humorous touch where appropriate. . . . For someone with a sympathetic interest in the topic who wants to understand it more fully, I think it would be hard to find a better guide."
— Magonia Review of Books
“This is a book that should be on every pagan's bookshelf—highly recommended!”
— Facing North
"The book is engagingly written, and I can see it gaining a wide readership in modern Pagan circles."
— Ethan Doyle White
“ At last, we have a history of British Paganism written from the inside, by somebody who not only has a good knowledge of the sources, but explicitly understands how Pagans and magicians think.”
— Ronald Hutton, author of "The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft"
"An absolute must for anyone interested in the development of paganism in the modern world. I cannot recommend this book enough."
— Janet Farrar, coauthor of "A Witches’ Bible"
"Paganism has a mysterious, complicated history. In Miracles of Our Own Making , Williams cheerfully guides her readers through the mists that too often shroud this fascinating topic. With good sense and sound judgment, our amiable guide takes us on a magical journey from the ancient world to the present day. Along the way, she highlights common pitfalls and evaluates how far contemporary paganism is indeed rooted in historical magical traditions. Although primarily focused on Britain, Miracles of Our Own Making is a wide-ranging book. Topics covered include Viking runes, Anglo-Saxon leechcraft, Tarot cards, Hellfire clubs, Druids, the Golden Dawn, and much more. Throughout, Williams eschews unnecessary controversy and avoids unproductive conflict. Instead, she synthesizes a litany of key primary and secondary sources, and does so with tolerance, kindness, and sympathy. Those drawn towards pagan paths will find Miracles of Our Own Making a fine overview of the mysterious and complex history of magic."
— Thomas Waters, author of "Cursed Britain: A History of Witchcraft and Black Magic in Modern Times"
"An informative and well-informed history of paganism, sensibly written with both knowledge and sympathy."
— Carolyne Larrington, University of Oxford, author of "The Land of the Green Man"
"In this highly engaging and informative book, Williams shares her wide knowledge of British Paganism in the past and present. From druids to grimoires, and antiquarians to occultists, the book is rich in detail and interesting characters."
— Owen Davies, author of "Grimoires" and editor of "The Oxford Illustrated History of Witchcraft and Magic"
- History
- Religion / Paganism & Neo-Paganism
- Hardcover (July 8th, 2020): $22.50
Pagans The Visual Culture of Pagan Myths, Legends and Rituals
For more than a thousand years, a diverse range of peoples, from Ireland to India and from the Andes to Australia, have been labelled "Pagan" by the Christians who encountered them. Since the twentieth century new groups have emerged—wiccans, druids, neo-shamans, and heathens—who openly call themselves Pagans. But who are these Pagans and what do they believe? Which gods and goddesses do they revere? Do they worship nature? Do they practise divination and magic?
From sacred plants imbued with supernatural powers to hand-carved amulets that repel evil, and from mischievous spirits of nature to holy mountains, Pagans find divine value in the natural world and spiritual significance in the material universe. Delve within these pages and examine the myriad paintings and sculptures, shrines and ceremonial objects that reveal the stories, symbols, and rituals of Paganism.
Some of the earliest known pagan texts are the Hittite and Sumerian texts, which date back to around 2000 BCE. These texts provide insights into the religious practices and beliefs of ancient pagan societies. In ancient Greece, paganism was an integral part of society, and numerous books were written on the subject.
Reviews
A stunningly beautiful book. Enhanced with more than 400 full-color illustrations, Pagans will serve as an excellent introduction to beliefs and practices of pagan and non-Abrahamic religions as depicted through various art forms and religious objects… Doyle White's writing style is engaging and informative, so taken together the text and the spectacular images make the book worthy of repeated visits.
— Choice
Corrects misconceptions and explains [Pagans'] intricate belief systems and rich histories, some stretching back to the dawn of civilization… Some of the book's most intriguing material focuses on practices that are nearly extinct today.
— New York Daily News
The most famous of these books is "Theogony" by Hesiod, which describes the genealogy and genealogy of the Greek gods. Another significant work is "The Golden Bough" by James George Frazer, which explores the similarities between ancient pagan beliefs and modern folklore. During the Roman Empire, pagan beliefs and practices were prevalent, and many books were written to document and preserve this knowledge. One such example is "De Natura Deorum" (On the Nature of the Gods) by Cicero, which discusses various pagan religious philosophies. Another notable work is "Metamorphoses" by Ovid, which contains numerous mythological stories. With the rise of Christianity in the Middle Ages, many pagan books were destroyed or lost. However, some survived and were preserved by scholars and monks. One such book is the "Eddas," a collection of Old Norse poems and myths that provide insights into the pagan beliefs of the Vikings. In modern times, there has been a resurgence of interest in paganism, leading to the publication of numerous books on the subject. These books often explore different pagan traditions, rituals, and beliefs, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of paganism in its various forms. Overall, the history of paganism books is a testament to the enduring fascination with the religious beliefs and practices of our ancestors. These books provide valuable insights into the diverse and complex world of paganism, allowing us to better understand our shared human history..
Reviews for "Paganism in Hellenistic Philosophy: Books on the Greek Philosophers and Their Beliefs"
1. John - 2 stars
I was sorely disappointed with the history of paganism book I recently read. It lacked depth and failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The author seemed to gloss over important details and instead focused on sensationalist elements. Furthermore, the writing style was dry and lacked any real engagement. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in learning about the history of paganism.
2. Sara - 1 star
I found the history of paganism book I read to be extremely biased and inaccurate. The author seemed to have a personal agenda and distorted the facts to suit their own beliefs. There was a lack of scholarly research and a lot of unsubstantiated claims. It felt more like a propaganda piece than an objective exploration of the topic. I was left feeling frustrated and misled by this book, and I would caution others against wasting their time on it.
3. Alex - 3 stars
The history of paganism book I read was alright, but it didn't offer anything particularly groundbreaking or insightful. It covered the basics of the subject matter, but it felt like a surface-level overview. I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the topic, but unfortunately, this book fell short. If you're looking for a quick introduction to paganism, this might work for you, but if you want a more comprehensive understanding, I suggest looking elsewhere.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I wasn't impressed with the history of paganism book I recently read. The writing was convoluted and difficult to follow, which made it hard to stay engaged with the content. Additionally, the book focused too heavily on a small subset of pagan beliefs, neglecting to explore the wider scope of the topic. I would have preferred a more balanced and well-rounded approach. Overall, this book left me unsatisfied and wanting more.
5. James - 1 star
As someone with a genuine interest in the history of paganism, I was highly disappointed with the book I picked up. It was filled with inaccurate information and subjective interpretations. The author seemed more interested in pushing their own agenda than providing an objective account of pagan history. I would caution anyone looking for an accurate and reliable source to avoid this book at all costs.