Featured Publisher: Troy Books
Hello friends, and welcome back to the Occult Library blog. As three months have now passed since the inception of The Occult Library, we can proudly say that a large swathe of publishers and their works are viewable on the site.
In turn, we feel that we are due to feature a select publisher and history, work, and stylistic facets. In the spirit of ‘going back to our roots,’ however young they may be, we have decided to touch upon one of our earliest cataloging efforts: Troy Books based in Cornwall in the United Kingdom.
For over fifteen years, Troy Books has graciously offered their materials for the use and enjoyment of practitioners, scholars, lay-folk, and seekers. In the realm of independent occult publishers, Troy Books is a beacon of care and artistry.
Focusing on topics of ‘...operative magic, ceremonial occultism, witchcraft, regional folklore and custom,” Troy Books offers a diverse and compelling range of materials.
Founded in 2008 in Cornwall, Jane Cox and Gemma Gary stand proudly as the founders of Troy Books. Troy’s earliest period is described as constituting “...quite literally a small cottage industry” upon the southwest environs of England.
Perhaps the most well-known and important Troy Books publication is Gemma Gary’s own work Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways. First published in 2008, this work is a special artifact of a newly fledged publishing house. In 2018, ten years after its initial publication, Gary’s work found new expression in an anniversary edition featuring a new preface detailing the provenance of the work and publication process.
Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways paperback edition
After many years of dedicated labor and care, Troy Books has since found a space among the world’s premier independent occult publishers. According to Troy, a vision rooted in artistic emphasis – coupled with a conscious accessibility – has guided the work at hand. As such, a wide number of formats are available for folks ranging from casual readers, to discerning collectors and practitioners.
An excellent example of this range can be found in a work like Nigel Pearson’s book A Ring Around the Moon. Pearson’s work offers insight into “...the actual rites and rituals of a working Coven, from an insider’s point of view.” The book is found in five differing formats:
Paperback Edition
Standard Hardback Edition
Special Edition
Black Edition
Fine Edition
All editions of the work measure 156mm x 234mm over 186 pages. In the most accessible form, the paperback edition, a gloss laminate cover seals the book.
A Ring Around the Moon paperback edition
On the other end of the spectrum, the fine edition copy presents in a hand-bound edition of which six examples were created. This fine edition is adorned in dark blue quarter leather, and a fine cloth binding with silver foil blocking upon the leather on the front and spine. 90 gsm cream paper stock constitutes the book’s pages. Finally, a full-lined black library buckram, blind embossed slip case cradles the book.
A Ring Around the Moon fine edition
Between these two poles, an ascending ladder of stylistic choices emerges and expresses the text..
In terms of grouped materials, select readers will find Troy’s Classic Grimoire Series of particular interest. Featuring works like The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, and the Key of Solomon, these contemporary iterations of historically relevant grimoires are a wonderful addition to the shelf of the classically-minded.
In recent happenings, Troy Books will be opening pre-orders for a forthcoming work entitled A Complete System of Magic: The Manual of a Nineteenth-Century British Cunning Man. The work, a grimoire formulated by William Dawson Bellhouse, contains a contemporary editorial job carried out by Dan Harms.
Complete System “...details practices and methods for such operations as charms, spells and rituals for healing, love, to return things lost or stolen, to discover thieves, protection from evil influences and malefic witchcraft, counter curses, and procedures for the conjuration of spirits and visions.”
A Complete System of Magic special edition
Finally, adjacent projects such as Troy Esoterica serve as an “... outlet for esoteric arts and artefacts including the new talismanic jewellery range by Gemma Gary, and other ritual and magical items and ephemera.”
The Occult Library staff believes that we speak on behalf of the occult community when we express gratitude for the enduring beauty of Troy Books – both in terms of form & content. We invite our readers to explore the Occult Library’s own page for Troy Books in order to further explore their offerings. Or visit the Troy Books website via:
As another week turns, we thank our readership once again.Here is to a unique experience exploring the many wondrous aspects of the occult community.
Sincerely,
– The Occult Library Staff