Cecil Williamson’s Book of Witchcraft
“Cecil Hugh Williamson (1909-1999) is, I believe, one of the great unsung heroes of the twilight world of folklore and witchcraft. He is probably best known for founding the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, North Cornwall, which he ran up until midnight on All Hallows Eve 1996; three years before his passing over into the spirit world. Unbeknown to many however, this was just part of a colourful and magical career that spanned most of the 20th century. This included working in a Rhodesian tobacco plantation, the pre-war film industry, the British secret services and, most importantly, devoting his life to the study of traditional witchcraft”.
Steve Patterson
In 1996, whilst helping the then new owner Graham King in refurbishments to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Steve happened upon a handwritten manuscript entitled simply ‘Witchcraft’ and containing an intriguing pot-pourri of esoterica from the hand of the Museum’s founder; Cecil Williamson.
It is this manuscript which provides the basis for Steve’s book which includes a full annotated transcript of the ‘Witchcraft’ manuscript, a history of Cecil Williamson and the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, a treatise on Cecil Williamson’s vision of traditional Witchcraft – the practices and the philosophy of the wayside witches, an account of his meetings with Aleister Crowley and Gerald Gardner, and a controversial account of his witnessing of the birth of ‘Wicca’. The book is both a valuable reliquary of practices for the traditional witch, and a resource for folklorists and historians alike; telling the tale of a hitherto largely ignored, but hugely influential episode in modern occult history, and one of the great unsung heroes of the twilight world of folklore and witchcraft.
● A full annotated transcript of Cecil Williamson’s “Witchcraft” manuscript.
● A History of Cecil Williamson and the Museum of Witchcraft.
● A treatise on Cecil Williamson’s vision of traditional Witchcraft – the practices and the philosophy of the wayside witches.
● An account of his meetings with Alistair Crowley and Gerald Gardner, and a controversial account of his witnessing of the birth of ‘Wicca’.
Paperback Edition gloss laminate cover.
Original Price - £16.99
Standard Hardback Edition: a black case binding with gold foil blocking to the front and spine, burgundy endpapers, with red and black head and tail bands.
Original Price - £28.00
Special Edition: a limited edition of 300 hand-numbered examples, Cream 175gsm ripple finish dust jacket, bound in burgundy cloth with gold foil blocking to the front and spine, black end papers with red and black head and tail bands.
Original Price - £39.50
Black Edition; a limited edition of 125 hand-numbered examples, bound in
beautifully grained black recycled leather fibers, with black foil blocking to the front and spine, red end papers, with red head and tail bands. 90gsm white paper stock.
Original Price - £38.00
Fine Edition: a limited edition of 30 signed and hand-numbered examples, hand bound in burgundy hand finished goat leather with gold foil blocking to the front and spine, marbled end papers and marker ribbon. This edition will be issued with an embossed, lined library buckram slipcase.
Original Price - Unavailable
Special Fine Edition: a limited edition of 10 signed and hand-numbered examples, hand bound in terracotta fine hand polished and finished goat leather, gold foil blocking to the front and spine, marbled end papers and marker ribbon. This edition will be issued with a lined, hand carved oak box, made and carved by the author.
Original Price - Unavailable
Size All editions – Royal 234 x 156mm
Pagination 304 pages, Paperback edition and Standard Hardback 80gsm white paper stock, Fine Editions and Special Limited Edition 120gsm cream paper stock, all editions – 32 pages of black and white photographic plates.
