Owen Davies is professor of social history at the University of Hertfordshire and president of the Folklore Society. He is the author of numerous books on the history of witchcraft, magic, ghosts, and popular medicine.
“A richly illustrated study that ranges from ancient Greek and Egyptian papyri to Japanese encyclopaedias of demons.” —Apollo Magazine “A beautiful production: a typographic and calligraphic treat as treasurable as a rare magical text itself. Almost every page is filled with wonder.” —Suzi Feay, The Spectator “This is simply the best illustrated history of magical texts yet written, covering the whole of history and of the planet with equal erudition.”—Ronald Hutton, Bristol University “An utterly compelling and timely exploration of a neglected artistic tradition, with vast implications for our understanding of magic’s visual history and the role of material culture in shaping its transmission across the centuries.”—Bruce Holsinger, University of Virginia “Through its innovative focus on magical texts and images, Art of the Grimoire presents an admirably global survey of the history of magic across space and time.”—Michael D. Bailey, Iowa State University