The Ozarks - the mountain ranges of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma - have long struck many as a place steeped in history, wilderness and folklore. Pioneers from Scotland were joined by those from Ireland and Germany, but like much of the US there is a complex mix of cultures - Cajun and Creole, Native American, West African. In a conservative and religious community, herbal remedies go hand in hand with Christian prayer, and both common household items and the local environment are used in charms and folk practise, even by those who'd refute the suggestion of magic.

Isolated and secretive, oft maligned by 'city folk', it is refreshing to read Weston's work, a traditional healer and folklorist born and raised in the region, as he writes from experience and not an outsider. Having trained with and gathered the stories of regional healers, his work is a deep exploration of the culture. He treats their accounts with the utmost respect, each a valuable part of the local lore.

Despite its rich academic focus, artfully blending the contemporary practise with detailed history and personal stories, the book's tone is warm and friendly, vividly described and visual, as well as informative. The opening chapters set the scene, then later ones delve deep into beliefs, ethics, materials, timings and more. Part II is a rich grimoire of herbal knowledge, medicinal use and collections of tools, laid out as a reference text. There are detailed discussions on types of magic often omitted from popular Wiccan-inspired guides, to 'work with both hands, with charms of retribution and protection against specific malignant forces.

It would make an excellent resource text for writers and artists interested in these areas, given the rich picture and detailed descriptions not just of methods, but the personal convictions of the practitioners, their ethics and, often, their Christian faith.

A fresh and exciting magical read for folklorists, scholars, magical adepts and anyone with an interest in the old ways.

Ozark Folk Magic is a book meant to be kept nearby .Reading it reminded me of my family members who lived in the mountains before hospitals and modern medicine. It is full of herbal and common sense magical advice. I never knew much about the Ozarks . I did realize they were mountainous and wild. Full of adventure and adventurous peoples. Native Americans, settlers from the East and South moved there. Influences from many cultures shaped absolutely doable( IMO )methods to help maintain health and happiness. There are some ways that I recognize from my own ancestry. The importance of three in spiritual matters is one. Signs in nature are also covered and the importance of healthy foods and keeping ones immune system in tip top shape. The customs of the rural common people are discussed and many are given. Both left hand (negative) and right hand ( positive) workings are given. My favorite part of the book was the listing of herbs used in the Ozarks and how they can be helpful today. Of course common sense has to be used and taking the place of medical care is not the goal of this book. Ozark Folk Magic is a book I will keep nearby as a positive and easily doable way to look at and improve my life.

The first few pages of this book made me feel like I was traveling back in time and began with what I can only compare to the WPA audio story collections. I was hooked from that moment on.

The author, who is descended from a long line of Ozarkians, shares his history and that of healers and magic in the Ozarks, “The good stuff”. You’ll learn about their folklore and how they blend religion, plants and beliefs to heal. The best part of all is you can apply it to your own practice.

A mix of history and magic, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. It is the best book if have read in quite a while in that it blends everything together and delivers it with a finesse that makes it hard to put down.