Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #713796 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
This marvellous tome is a fascinating collection of spells, curses and magical recipes from around the world and throughout history. As the author, Leonard Ashley, says, the book is meant for reading only: "You can just read about magic. I do not advise you to try it." With such information as the practicalities of selling one's soul to the devil, creating a zombie or raising demons contained within, Leonard Ashley's warnings seem rather mild, but he also includes cures for these ills should your spell casting go awry, and protects himself and his publishers with a very strongly worded legal disclaimer, where the reader is made entirely responsible for their own actions, in the spirit of the traditional witches' motto: "Do what you will, as long as you harm none." Warnings and mottoes dealt with, the reader is then free to turn to the delights of turning themselves into a hare, becoming invisible or making a witches' brew, only to discover that many of the ingredients required for spells are rare, mythological or downright illegal. It is Leonard Ashley's erudition and gentle wit that keep the reader totally engrossed in this book rather than any guarantee of success with spells. -- Claire Aloysia Ritson

Synopsis
Professor Leonard Ashley has published a number of papers on the occult. In this book he includes hundreds of genuine incantations and covers the practice of magic from ancient times to the present day.'

Customer Reviews

A nice change
This is probably one of the best and most useful books if you are interested in historical spells and magical formulas. It is a nice change to come accross such a book outlining an honest history, as opposed to the ever-same Neo-Pagan books dominating the shelves which seem to create a 'fantasy history' regarding the historical practice of witchcraft. A must for the traditional witch.

Title misleading
When I bought this book I assumed that it was exactly as the title states.The Complete Book of Spells, Curses & Magical Recipes.Well,it isnt exactly a DIY guide for anyone interested in Voodoo,or witchcraft.It contains spells,but not in depth.(eg:list of tools,products needed for the spell,actual ritual,etc.)More historical information.I wouldnt recommend it if you are looking for an actual "recipe" book of spells.

A book that you can't put down
A brilliant book written by Leonard R.N Ashley, a compendium of magick with history & stories as well as spells,potions and rituals.Full of suprises & many other things.
Reviewed by Andrew D.Kidd