Cunning Folk

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tabitha Stanmore's "Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic" is a fascinating and deeply researched journey into the world of medieval and early modern Europe's practitioners of “service magic.” This non-fiction work is a captivating exploration of how ordinary people, from all walks of life, sought the services of these individuals for everyday problems and ambitions. Stanmore's narrative brings to life a time when the supernatural was an integral part of the mundane, painting a vivid picture of a past that is both distant and strangely familiar.

The book is a spritely account that spans a broad spectrum of society, encompassing lovelorn widows, dissolute nobles, selfless healers, and even renegade monks. Stanmore's storytelling is particularly engaging when it delves into the personal stories of these individuals, such as Queen Elizabeth I's consultations with astrologers and the adventures of treasure hunters navigating the whims of protective fairies. These anecdotes not only entertain but also provide a deeper understanding of the societal context and beliefs of the time.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to make historical content accessible and relatable. Stanmore connects the reliance on cunning folk in the past to contemporary human behaviors, exploring how people have always sought to make sense of and control the seemingly irrational aspects of their lives. This connection is not just an academic exercise but a profound commentary on the beauty and complexity of human nature.

However, readers seeking a more traditional history book might find the narrative's conversational tone and anecdotal structure different from their expectations. The book's focus on individual stories over a comprehensive historical analysis could be seen as a departure from conventional historical works.

"Cunning Folk" is a charming and insightful reconstruction of a bygone era, offering readers a unique window into the lives of people who navigated their world with a blend of practicality and belief in the supernatural. It is an excellent read for anyone interested in history, folklore, and the enduring human fascination with the magical and the mystical. Stanmore's work is a testament to the enduring allure of history and its relevance to understanding our present and future.

What a creative and fun take on making history accessible! This book is so thoroughly researched (well annotated with so many sources cited) and contains so much history, yet reads like relatable personal anecdotes. You almost forget you're reading about snippets of people's lives from 400 years ago. It can often be difficult to make history entertaining and easy to digest, even when it comes to witchcraft and practical magic, but Stanmore does just that. I much preferred this style of writing to the true textbook history analysis, as it's more suitable for integrating the folklore and charm. Overall, en enjoyable time - I learned so much without feeling like I was studying for a test, and came away with a greater understanding of why our ancestors turned to 'service magic' and how it's still so applicable today.

I love history and magic, and this book seemed right up my alley. While it isn’t a book on actually how to practice magic, it is chock full of history on how people used practitioners back in medieval times. it was extremely interesting and educational. I absolutely enjoyed it.

This was an absolutely fascinating read! It teaches us quite a few things on the cunning folk and the way of life in a time where it was very common and accepted. We think back and that’s not something that would first come to mind. I really enjoyed it.

An excellent deep-dive into the fascinating history of cunning folk across Europe, particularly England. Unlike other 'historical' accounts of the time, Stanmore is quick to note the differences between cunning folk and witches. This confusion is one found in many neo-pagan and modern occult books, which is a shame because it has infiltrated the pagan community so deeply, yet isn't based on any truth. Cunning folk were highly respected and completely separate from witches, so much so that very few cunning folk were ever tried as witches during the Burning Times. Any trial records for cunning folk are almost entirely for crimes outside of witchcraft, such as fraud, conspiracy to commit murder, or other unlawful acts. Stanmore does an excellent job separating cunning folk from witches using historical documentation and records from across Europe. Each chapter has stories interwoven throughout, connecting the magic back to the needs and desires of the time. I enjoyed her perspective, as well as her educated insight into the culture of cunning folk and how they were perceived throughout history.

Stanmore is truly an expert in her field and her research should not be taken lightly. I wish more modern pagan authors would turn to real historical documents instead of continuing to perpetuate misinformation. If you are interested in learning the real history of magic-practicing folk, this is the book for you. Highly recommend!