Cunning Folk

Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic by historian Tabitha Stanmore opens a captivating window onto the world of medieval and early modern Europe, where magic was a common means to navigate life's trials and tribulations. This enthralling account transports readers to a time when encountering the devil on the road was possible, the stars could dictate one's future, and fairies were employed to uncover hidden treasures.

Imagine it's the year 1600, and you've lost your precious silver spoons—perhaps your neighbour has stolen them. Or maybe your child has a fever, you're facing a trial, seeking love, or endeavouring to escape an oppressive marriage. In such predicaments, your first port of call might very well be the local "cunning folk"—practitioners of 'service magic.' Unlike witches, who were feared, or saints, who were venerated, cunning folk were indispensable to everyday life. They existed as an integral part of a society where the supernatural was surprisingly mundane. Practical magic was a cherished resource, used by people from all walks of life to navigate life's myriad challenges.

Stanmore's beguiling narrative explains how these cunning folk were neither feared nor worshipped but were consulted for problems of both trivial and grave importance. Through her research, we meet a diverse cast of characters: lovelorn widows, dissolute nobles, selfless healers, and renegade monks. We eavesdrop on Queen Elizabeth I's astrology readings and follow treasure hunters attempting to unearth buried gold without incurring the wrath of the protective fairies.

Much like us, premodern people lived in bewildering times, subject to forces beyond their control. As Stanmore reveals, their reliance on magic provides profound insights into how we, too, deal with the irrational aspects of our supposedly enlightened lives today. Told with warmth, wit, and an empathetic touch, Cunning Folk delves deep into the day-to-day lives of ordinary people, exploring their hopes and desires, as well as their fears and vulnerabilities.

Charming in every sense of the word, Cunning Folk is not just an immersive reconstruction of a bygone world; it is also a thought-provoking commentary on the inherent beauty and bafflement of the human condition. This book offers a compelling blend of historical narrative and magical realism that will enchant readers and leave them pondering the enigmatic ways in which we all seek to make sense of our lives.