Rating: 
Summary: Paganism meets intellectual rigour & comes out rather well
Review: As several people have already said here, the incomparable Ronald Hutton has done the Pagan community an immense service with _Triumph of the Moon_. Indeed, he achieves the near-impossible: he has produced an academic monograph on the origins of modern Pagan witchcraft capable of satisfying those on the inside (Pagans) _and_ those on the outside (academics and society at large).Hutton brings his characteristic wit and penetrating insight to bear upon the 'history' of modern witchcraft, and the result is simultaneously a sobering and an uplifting read. This is no mere hatchet job on the always-shaky historical claims of Gardner _et al_; it is a wide-ranging and extremely intelligent study of social, intellectual and spiritual trends in Britain during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, which places the modern Craft in its worldly context. A succession of poets, academics, cunning folk, anthropologists, Masons and occultists are discussed, illuminating social currents of the day, and exploring the contribution of each to the great mosaic that became the modern Craft. The myths, too, are explored: Margaret Murray, 'the burning times', Gardner's Book of Shadows and the myth of prehistoric 'Great Goddess' are all carefully examined, and gently (or not so gently) punctured. Yet I cannot emphasise enough that this is not an attack on Paganism - that it can only, in fact, make it stronger. The first (Gardnerian) witches' claims to the antiquity of their tradition may have been spurious, but Hutton makes it clear that this removes nothing from the fact that there was 'something in the water', so to speak, of early twentieth century society. Far from appearing a deceitful aberration, Gardner and others are shown to be expressive of a mood of their times, taking the logical next step in giving Paganism a structure and greater definition. Two caveats (because I feel I ought to...): 1) The focus - both in historial chapters and in the sociological case study at the end - is upon coven witchcraft, with little space for solitary workers (although this is perfectly reasonable in terms of what Hutton is trying to); 2) From an article in 'Pagan Dawn' a little while back, I gather that Hutton's research is ongoing, and there's a possibility of a second edition at some point in the future! Hutton is an engaging and lucid writer, as adept at discussing long-term social trends as he is at providing lively pen-portraits of the various writers and witches who parade through his pages. An enjoyable and an enlightening read for anyone with an interest in the Craft or in 20th century social history. Wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: A history of modern Witchcraft based on fact, not fantasy...
Review: Finally, a historian has written a book that details the origins of modern Witchcraft and Wicca. And said historian actually did a great deal of research and backs up his thesis with factual, primary source material, as opposed to the usual fantastical wish-fulfillment claptrap that many Neo-Pagan authors use to support thier pet theories regarding the history of Witchcraft. Some people will be disappointed in this book, no doubt, for nowhere does Hutton mention an unbroken lineage of Witches that stretches beyond the burning times far into the dim reaches of matriarchal prehistory where all the women were strong, the men were beautiful, and the children were peaceful and never hit each other over the head with rocks whilst playing oppressive, competitive male-oriented team sports. What this book does detail is a plausible explaination as to -why- modern Witchcraft would arise at all, and how it fits into post industrial society. I cannot praise the fact that Hutton doesn't only delve into the history of Witchcraft, but he shows us why it is important in the first place, and what it has to say about society as a whole, and Neo-Pagans in specific. The book is well-written, if densely packed with information. It is not an easy read; if one skims, one is apt to miss essential details and lose sight of the myriad threads that Hutton traces in his search for the warp and weft of Witchcraft today. I took my time reading this book, savoring it with rhapsodic glee: it was good to find that there was an academic who had actually taken the time to prove some of my own pet theories about Witchcraft in England during the modern period. At any rate, this book belongs on the shelf of every literate and educated Witch, Wiccan and Neo-Pagan in the world. If we Witches ever got around to opening up schools, I believe this should be a standard history text for any class that includes the study of our religious beliefs. It is always important to know where one comes from, in order to better decide where one would like to go.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent historical perspective
Review: Hutton has written a book that truly needed to be written, unlike the vast majority of texts on the history of modern pagan witchcraft, for and against. In essence, Hutton isn't for or against; he's an historian. This approach may well annoy those looking for support for their beliefs, of course, but for those interested in a dispassionate account, this is the book to buy.
Hutton really starts with the eighteenth century, with Masonry, "cunning men", and other magic-workers of various kinds. He discusses these folks as sources for the later witchcraft revival, and gives his sources scrupulously. He then moves on to the nineteenth-century "occult revival", which is only rather sketchily handled, and to Gardner and the whole complex from which he arose.
Next, Hutton discusses Gardner in considerable detail, considering the whole "Dorothy Clutterbuck" problem and the whole complex of the first Wiccan covens. It seems not unlikely that this discussion will infuriate those who don't want to think of Gardner as a spiritual ancestor for their modern practices. At the same time, it's likely to tick off those would-be "debunkers" who want a lurid account of Gardner the evil sex-maniac. Overall, I found that Gardner came off rather sympathetically, which surprised me.
For me, the best thing about the book is the discussion of the extension of Wicca past Gardner's own influence. For example, I tend to associate the rise of Neopaganism with liberal politics, given the strong affiliations with the rise of feminism, ecological activism, and a kind of back-to-the-earth approach to collapsing the modern military-industrial dominance of (especially) American economics and politics. But Hutton demonstrates that in the first half of the century, in England, Wicca was very much a right-wing movement, not entirely divorced from movements like Baden-Powell's Boy Scouts and the Kibbo Kift. The transition from right to left, concurrent with the switch from one side of the Atlantic to the other, is fascinating, and deftly handled by Hutton.
I suppose the book is somewhat dense, if you're not used to mildly academic prose, but by academic standards it's pretty breezy reading. The book is quite accessible, as it is carefully indexed and Hutton makes clear what he's doing and why. If you are interested in a fairly direct, straightforward history of Neopagan witchcraft, this is a great book.
You will hate this book if:
1) You are absolutely certain that Wicca is a surviving ancient pagan religion, continuing underground despite centuries of oppression; or
2) You are absolutely certain that Wicca is a load of nonsense, made up by some foolish sex-crazed women, which offers no spiritual rewards to anyone with half a brain.
You will love this book if:
1) You are willing to read some rather dense, careful historical prose, in a mildly academic style; and
2) You would genuinely like to know a good deal about the ins and outs of the origins of the modern pagan witchcraft revival, and how it has developed over the last century.
Rating: 
Summary: Deep insight into modern witchcraft
Review: Since I am attending a class dealing with witchcraft at the Anglistics Institute of the University of Vienna I read this book to widen my, til then, rudimentary knowledge of modern witchcraft. Never before had I heard about 'Wicca' or the people connected with it - after reading this book my lack of education in this respect was more than removed The descriptions of pagan elements and biographies of important figures in the modern witchcraft tradition are very detailed. Therefore, this book certainly is recommendable for those who are prepared to invest a large amount of time into their study of this issue. Ronald Hutton tried to be as objective as possible. For example, Alstair Crowley is not presented as a Satanist as which he is seen by some(NB I talked to a guy,who is not attending this class,about Crowley and for him Crowley was the best example for a Satanist). Yet, Crowley's objection to leading women and his "savage anti-semitism" are mentioned. The book consists of two parts:the "Macrocosm" and the "Microcosm". In the first part the belief of the Wiccans, eg their relation to-for them-divine nature, their worship of a Goddess and a God,their festivals,ceremonies and symbols are presented. Although the origins of Wicca as it is practised today are in the 18th century,Hutton writes about the romantic idea of many practitioners that it survived from the "Old religion"(after all,the worship of a goddess or seasonal festivals could hint indeed to such a pagan/ancient source). However,living in Sigmund Freud's hometown,Vienna,I missed the psycological explanation why people turned their backs on 'traditional'religions like Christianity and moved to(of course even more traditional yet revived)paganism. What were/are they searching for?Perhaps for a contrast to our technologically constucted world? The second part deals with the most important people in the Wicca tradition, first of all Gerald Gardner whose biography and carreer cover a whole chapter.I found the descriptions of the covens'actions against Hitler especially interesting(NB I've mentioned my Austrian origin).Once,Hutton mentions that "whitch covens right and left-against witch law-came together"to fight the Nazi-regime.Unfortunately,it is not clarified how 'right and left' is meant in this respect(does it have a political connotation?)nor is the 'witch law'further described,which was a problem for a newcomer like me. Also of special interest for me was the last chapter that questions the definition of Wicca;should it be described a s religion or as a sect?Is the latter definition indicated,for instance,in Wicca's focusing on sexuality?(However,as Hutton points out,it has only a symbolic function in the ceremonies and he never came across actual sexual intercourse carried out in a coven's rite.) As one had to expect, Hutton defends this tradition against beiing perceived as a sect and calls it 'revived religion'. Having read this book I could agree with him.
Rating:
Summary: Thorough well-researched history of Neo-paganism
Review: This belongs on your shelf right next to Margot Adler's _Drawing Down the Moon_ if you are pagan or interested in Neo-pagan history. Ronald Hutton's new book is the only complete history of Neo-paganism (addressing both pre- and post-Gardner history) available to the pagan community. Written thoughtfully by by a historian who possesses impeccable research skills, healthy skepticism, an open mind and a willingness to admit ambiguity, Hutton deals with some of the complex aspects of Wiccan history that have been very controversial within the movement, exploring the connections Wicca has with Romantic poets and intellectuals, Freemasonry, the Rosicrucians, the Golden Dawn, cunning men and women, Crowley, Gardner, Valiente, feminism, the gay rights movement, and numerous other people and sets of ideas which have created and affected modern witchcraft. This book brings together so much. Please read it!
Rating:
Summary: Triumph of Common Sense
Review: This book gives a clear, convincing history of the development of the 'religion' of witchcraft, showing quite clearly that the movement is 20th century in origin, and that extravagant claims about the antiquitiy of the religion have no basis in reality. Mr hutton shows that claims about the ancient origins of the witchcraft religion are nonsense, but he is always kind and polite, and never ridicules the beliefs of modern wiccans, he must be the world's most tactful historian. An earlier review of this book claims to have attended a workshop by someone who says she knows of a 'hidden' Pagan village in England, dating back to before the Norman conquest and only discovered in the 1990s. I don't think this reviewer can ever have been to England. We are a very small country, with 9as P.J. O'Rourke puts it)'A population density like Macy's toy department at Christmas'. There aren't any hidden Pagan villages here because there's nowhere to hide them, okay?
Rating: 
Summary: A scholarly tone hides a biased approach
Review: This book was a very enjoyable read, partly for the quality of the writing style, partly for the way it catalogues so many interesting people, events and ideas, and partly for the thrill of the hunt as I tracked down and nailed mistake after mistake.
In a work of this scope a few factual errors are to be expected, but the sheer number of these errors, and the immensity of some of his misrepresentations is staggering, especially from someone who claims to be unbiased, and to have not left any significant silences.
Hutton's scholarly yet entertaining tone has totally starstruck a generation of pagans who previously had seen nothing better than Llewellyn's books (note all the 5-star reviews), however his scholarship is full of big, black, holes.
The main thrust of the book is to destroy any possibility of any kind of history or continuity to pre-Gardnerian "Wicca" or witchcraft. This is fine up to a point, but in his anti-Murray-ist zeal he goes so far as to conclude that not one single practitioner of any kind of pagan religion was persecuted in Europe during the time of the witch trials (1400-1700).
To support this extreme claim he employs character assassination against such people as Gardner and Leland (supported on a series of shaky or downright wrong information), qoutes other authors very selectively or out of context, paints quite unrealistic pictures of historical folk-magic (for instance, describing English cunning folk as isolated and having little or no contact with each other, and getting all their skills by mail order from London, when contemporary accounts describe that in some areas there were as many cunning-folk as parishioners).
He criticises the eminent scholar and historian Carlo Ginzburg (certainly a more rigorous scholar than Hutton) of being Murray-ist, but seems to have either not read, or somehow not understood Ginzburg's books which he has quoted from. He even at one point gives a list of authors who supposedly agree with him that no condemned "witches" held pagan religious beliefs - however if you actually read these authors, you will find that only one or two of them make any such claim, and in fact about half of them seem to take quite the opposite view, suggesting all kinds of connections with pre-christian religion (and giving lots of evidence in support).
Hutton doesn't even attempt to address the wealth of previous work that has gone into understanding the pre-christian religions of Europe and their continuation through folk-lore and custom. Folklorists like Jacob Grimm may have written some years ago when different academic approaches were in vogue, but this doesn't give Hutton license to entirely ignore their seminal works. There is an enormously different picture to be painted if you read just the authors Hutton has cited, let alone if you expand into wider areas such as folklore and legislation.
I really did enjoy reading this book, and I see it offering a good starting point for other better-prepared researchers, providing as it does such a nice catalogue of people and ideas (also, research is more fun when you have a contentious point or two to argue over). However as a book to be read and believed by Wiccans and pagans it is a tragedy. Instead of tracing the development of modern Wicca and witchcraft in an honest light, he rather stamps on these thin tenuous roots and casts a blackening smokescreen across what is already a dim enough area of history.
I don't really understand how or why he would get it so wrong. Is it really just plain sloppiness, or does he have some sinister agenda? :) But then, the world of witchcraft is a strange place, full of strange people. Perhaps Hutton is no less strange than some of the people and events he writes about.
(...)
Rating:
Summary: Excellent work, shame about the typeset.
Review: This is a veyr detailed and informative history. However the paperback edition has miniscule print on low grade paper, so much so that it is hard to read for a long period of time. I would reccomend getting the hardback. The work itself is great and it's worth paying the extra to be able to read it without needing aspirin on standby.
Rating:
Summary: The fluff bunnies will hate it
Review: This type of accurate scholarly work is so needed in the pagan community these days. Wicca, which is never to be confused with witchcraft, has it's interesting inception unveiled here. Seems like an English nudist and former civil servant wanted to create a new religion. And to do so he used some already existing sources, and heavily edited others. Pretty impressive to create a new religion; so I give Gerald and his folks their due. I find it sad that his creativity cannot be applauded. Instead, some wiccans feel that validity is only to be found in being the one true and authentic remnant of the "old religion". This is an important book in helping the new age community and the xtian fundamentalists finally "get it right" with their terminology. Witches do not practice wicca; wiccans do. Maybe in a future book the author can explore where those two terms try to meet in the new reconstructuralist pagan traditions.
Rating:
Summary: How a religion is Born!
Review: This was an excellent historical work on modern Pagan Witchcraft. It does tend to focus on Wicca, but it does also talk about Druids, and non-Gardnarian Traditions. If you know nothing about Wicca, I recomend you start with another book, or the very last chapter serves as an excelent summary of what Wiccans belive, and though it seams weird to suggest it, you might want to read the last chapter first. Although the author is a historian and not a Pagan or a Witch, he remains respectful in his historical endevor. This book is an excelent example of how a new religion is born, and perhapse the only such history of the birth of a new faith to exist!
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