HIGH MAGIC'S AID
Book Details + Condition: Michael Houghton (London). Scarce First Edition, 1949. 8 vo. hardcover with black cloth and silver titling (etc) to spine. Original unclipped dust jacket is priced at 10/6. Pictorial endpapers depict magickal diagrams. 352 pages. This copy was inscribed by (or was a personal copy of) Monique Wilson, or Lady Olwen. Her signature and inscription to the half-title page reads: "Olwen, High Priestess & Witch Queen, Castletown, 8th July 1971." Wilson (1923-1982), born Monique Marie Mauricette Arnoux, was a prominent figure in the Wiccan community and was known as Britain's "new Queen of the Witches". She met Gerald Gardner as a child in Vietnam, and knew him as "Uncle Gerald". After encountering Gardner's book "Witchcraft Today," she wrote to him seeking more information, which led to her initiation into his coven and receiving the magickal name Lady Olwen. Wilson became a high priestess, establishing several covens in Scotland and gaining media attention, and was given the title of the "Queen of the Witches". One of Wilson's more notable contributions was initiating Raymond Buckland, who would later play a crucial role in introducing Wicca to America.
Considered one of the best known books in the 20th century witchcraft canon; the book that started it all and remains the standard work on Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism by "The Father of Wicca," anthropologist, and archaeologist Gerald B. Gardner (1884-1964). In HIGH MAGIC'S AID, Gardner used fiction as a vessel to discuss the magical craft, drawing from rituals such as "The Key of Solomon" and other works which he also wove into his own witchcraft practice. Gardner - who knew Aleister Crowley (although not well) - wrote the book under his magical name "Scire." The book takes the reader on a quest to uncover the ancient, lost and forbidden secrets of Magic and Witchcraft. Contents include:
- High Magic's Aid
- Seeking a Witch
- Moon's Aid
- Music Magic
- Charging the Pentacles
- The Witch Cult
- Castles & Lands
- And much more.
A scarce First Edition in very good condition, with minor shelf wear to boards (including light bump to left corners), and a clean interior, save inscription from 1971 of "High Priestess & Witch Queen" Lady Olwen to half-title page (see more info in description of this prominent figure and associate of Gardner). Original dust jacket has minor aging and wear, with chipping and small tear (now repaired) to upper section; an inked number "2" to rear panel; it remains unclipped, with the original stated price of 10/6. All books are carefully packed, and shipped in boxes; this will include insurance.
