Etruscan Roman Remains [Perfect Paperback]

Charles Leland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1999

Leland was sixty-seven years old when he informed a family confidante and colleague that he had stumbled upon all the principal deities of the Etruscans still existing as spirits or folletti in the Romagna area of Italy.Leland had already published five books on gypsy lore and language but when the present Etruscan book was finished, Leland regarded it as his greatest work, ten times more remarkable than Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune-telling, his unique collection, published a few years before. EvenHe stated that that "Aradia, or The Gospel of the Witches," as I have given it, is in reality only the initial chapter of the collection of ceremonies, cantrips,' incantations, and traditions current in the fraternity or sisterhood, the whole of which are in the main to be found in my Etruscan Roman Remains." First published in 1892.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Cast a spell against gossips, deflect unwanted romantic attention, or bring the dead back to life. The renowned 19th-century folklorist and expert on witchy cultures Charles Leland believed he had uncovered the secrets of practical domestic magic as the ancient pagans of Italian Tuscany performed it, and he shared all in this classic 1892 study.

Considered by the author to be his own masterwork, this enthralling work--one still the subject of heated debate among modern pagans, some of whom embrace it while others deny its accuracy--here are detailed examinations of the "gods and goblins" of the region as well as the time-honored incantations, divinations, medicines, and amulets of the Tuscans.

This is an essential companion to his Aradia: Gospels of the Witches (also available from Cosimo). --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Charles Godfrey Leland (1824-1903) was a specialist in comparative religions and President of the Gypsy-Lore Society.

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 385 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix Publishing Inc (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0919345298
• ISBN-13: 978-0919345294
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,372,015 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Pre-Gardnerian Craft, April 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Etruscan Roman Remains (Perfect Paperback)

This book is a classic text on the "Old Religion." The author Charles Leland was a folklorist performing field studies into Italian Witchcraft during the 1800s. He describes witches as worshippers of the goddess Diana, and refers to a specific group as the "good witches" of Benevento. Leland points out that "bad witches" also exist and he includes several spells to illustrate this.

Etruscan Roman Remains carries a feel of antiquity as Leland introduces ancient lore and its revelance to the witches of Old Italy. This book was the first of its kind to present material drawn directly from people claiming to be witches during the 19th century. Along with Leland's Aradia; Gospel of the Witches, this book presents the foundation of many concepts now found in modern Wicca, including a full moon sabbat, the worship of a god & goddess by witches, ritual use of cakes and wine, and witches as healers and magic users. After reading Leland's accounts, there can be little doubt that Gardnerian Wicca was founded, at least in part, upon the writings of Leland on Italian witchcraft.

In addition, Etruscan Roman Remains contains a great deal of information on old superstitions, folk spirits, and folk magic. This book is an important addition to any library on Witchcraft.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 19th Century Rediscovery, March 4, 2002

By 

Diana Grayfox (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Etruscan Roman Remains (Perfect Paperback)

This is a wonderful addition to any home library for anyone interested in the religion of Antiquity and Italian folklore. All of Charles Leland's writings are wonderful, but this book in particular is of great merit. Leland travled the Italian country-side and recorded many of the tales from rural folks, some of which still practice the "old religion" both overtly and covertly within the Roman Catholic structure. It is through his recording of these stories that we can see the evolution and continued existence of the Gods of the Ancients. This is a must read for any serious mythographer, folklorist or modern day observer of the Old Ways.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great inquiry into the diverse nature of the Etruscans., April 6, 2005

By 

Craig Biz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Etruscan Roman Remains (Perfect Paperback)

Leland provides great insight into suppressed information related to the old Etruscan Paganism of the Early Roman Empire and Italy. The first part of the book contains descriptive insight into over 60 Gods and Goblins of the old religion, whereas, most other texts only contain up to 25 and often confuse the details. A greater number of suppressed names and deities are discussed in detail in this work, then in any other text I have researched in relation to this old way of life. The second part offers various Incantations, Divinations, Medicines, and Amulet Creation. The book is heavily illustrated which is another thing that is uncommon in books on this subject. This book is highly recommended for anyone studying the occult, and makes for a great desk reference for followup research.