Right up my alley! I love reading about how pagan societies are created and survive. It's just so fascinating. Fits right in with my folklore collection, and Katharine Briggs books! Not an easy read, but well worth the effort.

I don’t deny being interested by this thorough and well-researched book, but simultaneously, I also can’t not mention my disappointment by the misleading title. I’m sure that whoever came up with the title of the book was very well aware that it would bring a lot more attention to it than a more truthful description of the contents.

In reality, this book is a lot more about folklore and the initiation rites of secret societies in rural England, than it is about witchcraft.

The author did a lot of research, used many sources, and obviously had a deep knowledge and a deep interest in the marshlands of eastern England. All on its own, this book was an intriguing read which introduced me to a lot of customs, rites and secret societies (such as the horsemen, the mummers, bonesmen, toadmen, etc) that I had never heard of and probably never would, had it not been for “Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England”. It was interesting to learn about the nearly-forgotten beliefs of the people of eastern England and how they changed through time, eventually to disappear almost completely.

From a writing perspective, I felt like there were a few too many repetitions, for example the traditions of Plough Monday and the initiation rites of the secret societies were retold several times throughout the book, which leads me to believe that this was the core of the book itself, albeit not attractive enough for the unknowledgeable reader to be stated as openly in the title of the book.

Witchcraft, on the other hand, had a very small role in the book – as much as any natural remedy or a person able to make it, is witchcraft/a witch, and only slightly more than that. In my false expectations, I would have wanted to read a more deep account of what was believed to be witchcraft in the times of the witch trials and later on, as well as an overview of the climate surrounding witches and their treatment. Considering that this book focuses on traditions, folklore and beliefs, it was still interesting to read, but from a very different perspective and to be appreciated for its educational values, rather than the glimpse into the supernatural.

More of an introduction to the various societies. Reader does get some good information and images. Not in chronological order and I don't think area specific.

This book is certainly different. The authir takes us on an educational journey. I would recommend this book for those wanting to learn more about the history if Witchcraft in England

Interesting, but sometimes a bit drawn out. But overall, a decent read. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The book is more scholarly than entertaining., I would not purchase this for a public library collection. However, a college library with courses in the history of witchcraft may well like having this book for curriculum.

I was very excited by the blurb and cover, so imagine how irritating it was to be barraged by "REVIEW COPY" every second page, right in the middle of paragraphs! That repeated, annoying and unnecessary reminder threw off the formatting, pulled me out of the book and had it been a paperback...I might have tossed the whole thing across the room.
Readers do not need to be treated like children, and I was insulted by the many, many times I was reminded by the obvious.

An incredibly intricate account, taking the reader through the ages of secret societies and magic in England. Not a quick, captivating read by any stretch but I did find many parts interesting and very thorough. Perfect for referencing the beginnings of Freemasonry and British folklore.

Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England.

Like another reviewer noted, this book was not what I expected.

With 'witchcraft' in the title (which I'm sure was purely for PR and marketing reasons), this informative and well researched book had very little to do with witchcraft, its origins, traditions and rituals.

Yes, there are stories about 'wise women and men' with knowledge about herbs, herbal remedies and ways of curing illness and performing medical procedures most people knew nothing about.

There are also tales of women with unusual abilities over animals and people, but the stories are few, compared to the little known societies the author mentions here such as cattle drovers, mummers, and toadmen, just to name a few.

The author has done incredible research, such as adding songs and chants these societies would sing when inducting new members.

The pictures are fascinating to look at but I do wish there had been detailed maps when the author spoke in great detail about where these societies resided and where the cattle was being driven from and to.

For the directionally challenged (like myself), a map would be super useful because as I was reading these words, all I could see in my head were squiggles, like in the Family Circus cartoons when the kids would go cavorting around their town in search of mischief.

An interesting book, well researched, reserved and dry in tone; could use more witchcraft.

I enjoyed this although it wasn't quite what I was expecting - an academic book rather than a fictional reference. I found I had to dip in and out - this isn't a 'read in one sitting' novel but a structured, dissertation on a fascinating slice of rural England. I think the cover is a little misleading - I thought I was getting something a wee bit lighter but that shows the deftness & creativity of the cover artist so I can't really fault it.

As an academic reference with some insightful and thought-provoking narrative, I certainly recommend it.

3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Parts of this book were a little convoluted and long, and I feel like if it had been more concise I would have liked it more as I ended up skipping parts. The writing itself was fine though

Though a bit too long, I found the examples of old rural England's various fraternal (and a couple of maternal) organizations to be an interesting foray into the bizarre, while providing illumination into the reason why the groups were initially formed. Fascinating historical perceptions and their introduction into English folklore.

I like history book and this is an interesting and well researched one.
I loved how it illustrates the traditions, the jobs and the costumes of the different areas.
It was a good read, engaging and fascinating.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC