Cursed Britain unveils the enduring power of witchcraft, curses and black magic in modern times. Few topics are so secretive or controversial. Yet, whether in the 1800s or the early 2000s, when disasters struck or personal misfortunes mounted, many Britons found themselves believing in things they had previously dismissed – dark supernatural forces.


This book can be dense, and it definitely focuses on the history of witchcraft which is interesting, but I was more pulled to this book by its mention of magic in modern times, I must admit. The author mentions an incredible amount of sources of tales and stories in history about witches, or in this context just women who seem to be them and how the reaction to their supposed powers - it also focuses on where those beliefs stemmed from, particularly in rural communities and how stories would travel and become a social norm.

Waters is clearly an expert in his field and it does show in this book he pulls together an incredible amount of information in this book to especially give us a keen look into Victorian Magic in particular and many moments in this book gave me a fresh perspective on magic that made it an absorbing read in moments, particularly ‘Magic In The British Empire’ and the more modern chapters where we see more modern stories of people believing black magic is happening to them and the shift in public opinion around Magic’s existence.

If you like the subject, you will love this book, but it does seem to generalise witchcraft to just being about quackery, wheras I feel there must be examples historically of practicing witches? Witchcraft here seems to be watered down too, to include psychics for example, which are not witches? I just feel more could be done here, even going to practicing witches might have built this book to even better things. I would say this book is one to go back to, to build your knowledge from and find more sources and the incredible amount of notes will certainly I think help you there.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Waters demonstrates his an indepth knowledge about witchcraft through 1800's - present day.
This book may not be for everyone as it is rather academic in its writing style, but the chapters are very informative. I can imagine an academic or students being able to dip in and out of this book for research rather easily.

A history of modern witchcraft and black magic through modern times.

I found that I got bored quite easily with this one and ended up skimming quite a bit of it. The writer has extensive knowledge on the topic, however didn’t really concentrate on modern times as I was expecting. Not for me this one.

Thank you to Yale University Press for a copy of this book.

This was a really interesting read, tracing the history of witchcraft. It’s a subject I don’t know very much about but I found this book was an informative and thoughtful read, academic without being dry and boring.

It’s difficult for me to give an educated review as I’ve said I don’t know a huge amount about the subject but I do feel I learned quite a bit as the author covers the 1800s to modern-day in Britain. The book seemed to be well researched and trustworthy.

I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who is curious or has an interest in the subject – although it’s worth reading just for the historical facts and details of the culture, beliefs and social climate of the times.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I noticed later that I already read and review this book.
This was my first review:
A fascinating and well researched read, engrossing and well written.
I liked the style of writing and how the book is organized. I learned a lot and it was an interesting read.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.