loved this view into historical accounts of cunning folk and their interactions with the community around them.

I never really thought about the fact that more palm readers weren't burned at the stake. Ok, hear me out.

You will often read or see in historical media about a king going to see a psychic or someone who can put together a "special" potion. These people did exist. So why weren't they tried and executed as witches? Finally, Tabitha Stanmore is here to explain why in her book, Cunning Folk. See, they weren't tried as witches because they weren't witches. They were cunning folk and, at worst, their activities were frowned upon and at best, they were actively sought by many people.

Stanmore drops us into the time period of medieval and early modern Europe. We start off with a woman in London trying to find her spoons. Sure, you and I aren't worried about losing spoons but back in the day this was no bueno. Spoons could be worth at lot and eating soup with your hands is a real pain. Stanmore follows this woman as she tries to find the right cunning folk to solve her problem because there are many different types. Don't worry, the book also looks at some famous people who tried to kill other famous people.

There is a sole issue with the book which is not Stanmore's fault. That woman and her spoons is the perfect example. We know she tried to find them and asked cunning folk but we get no resolution because the records just stop. This happens with a lot of the stories in the book and it does rob the narrative of a little magic (pun intended!). Stanmore's research is impeccable and there is nothing she can do about it. The information just doesn't exist anymore. Even still, this is well worth the read and it's a lot of fun.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing.)

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!

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.

what it means to be a human in todays age and the midevil ages are completely different. Magic and self- realization are what keep us moving and connected. I LOVE THIS BOOK!

—Thank you to NetGalley and the publidher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is an amazing source of information. I feel so lucky to have read this. Because this is both educational, interesting and entertaining.
I’m sure this will be a quiet handy book.

A conversational, yet informative look at an under-examined area of social history, Tabitha Stanmore's "Cunning Folk" is sure to be appreciated by both lay readers and history students interested in the role of folk magic and religion in the Elizabethan period.

In this book, historian Tabitha Stanmore puts a spotlight on the widespread use of “practical magic” in medieval Europe. Most of our modern perception of the treatment of magic and superstition during this era is shaped by the history of witch-hunts and the brutal executions of suspected witches that came later, so it may come as a shock to realize that the magical methods used by cunning folk were actually common accepted practice at one time. In matters as wide ranging as finding lost items, finding true love, and seeking fortunes, the aid of skilled cunning folk could be sought, for the right price.

These practitioners are well documented and were apparently quite common: they practiced openly and without fear of the retribution of law. Often, the supernatural aid offered by cunning folk was inextricably linked with local Christian belief and practice! I was absolutely fascinated to learn how much the belief in the power cunning folk wielded was tied up with the power of the medieval Christian church. Witchcraft in the premodern era apparently only carried the threat of prosecution if the results of the practice were harmful to others, and the magic offered by cunning folk was more often intended to help a person rather than harm them.

Stanmore draws a clear line between the superstitions of the past and those of the present, so that the premodern villager seeking magical aid is that much more relatable to the reader. But it’s not just common people: even the nobility were using the help of cunning folk to establish and maintain their power and influence in ways that are apparently well-documented, if not more widely discussed!

I was a history major in college- therefore, I’ve read plenty of historical books in my day, and I can tell you that there are a lot of historians that can make even the most interesting subject matter dry and unpalatable. It’s not often that you find historical nonfiction as fascinating and engaging as this book. I found the writing style easily accessible and interesting. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the topic of historical magical practice, and not just for scholarly readers!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for this review.

This book was a fantastic read and extremely comprehensive and well written. It is a book discussing the uses of magic throughout our history, and written as though reciting a story of the past. The research and pieces of history you will learn while reading this book is outstanding. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for their taste of history, a fix on magic, and someone searching for the long forgotten practices of the cunning folk.

I would rate this piece a 4/5 stars, and recommend this read to anyone who wants a more practical or rather researched approach to the past uses of magic.

Cunning Folk is a fascinating peek behind the curtain of everyday magic by examining the lives of Cunning Folk, those who used magical means to solve everyday problems. We meet healers, fortunetellers, and those gifted in the magical arts to help find and fix issues in people's lives. Everything from how to find a lost item, to fall in love, to get rich quick, and to seek revenge.

These cunning folk were the modern day equivalents of consultants, advisors, and experts in the field of problem solving. In an era when magic was part of everyday life, it was common practice to enlist the help of the magically attuned who could make things right. What was incredibly interesting to learn about was that cunning folk were not treated in the same way as witches, rarely were they burned at the stake or even accused of dark magic because they were considered service providers whose aims were to help make things better and right for their clients. Early modern Europe was a time where magic was believed to be responsible for everything, the good, the bad, to every success and mishap. Cunning folk were not without accusations or shady dealings, and in the book we will meet some of the accused of services gone wrong, but overall cunning folk were revered and respected for their work and knowledge.

I did not know much about cunning folk and that's because they are not written about as much as they should be. It's shocking that they did not have to endure the same fates as the "witches" despite "working in the same industry." I suppose Cunning Folk are no different than psychics reading the future, astrologers giving out advice, and manifestation books that have overtaken the book industry. To consult those with a magical gift has been common practice for centuries, and it appears that it's not going away anytime soon. When life got complicated and logic and reason could not suffice, Cunning Folk were hired to solve the problem. Not every Cunning person could resolve the issue, but it was the belief and trust that they instilled in their clients that provided hope and comfort to them.

A must read for those interested in witch non-fiction, and the history of divination.

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.

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.