Perhaps it was the contrast with the book on this subject which I had read previously (Montague Summers' Witchcraft and Black Magic), but I found the straightforward approach of this a refreshing change, and its clearly laid out chapters which followed the history of beliefs in magic and witchcraft - which also, the author does not conflate - through the various historical periods. The book is focused on the British Isles but there is nothing wrong with having a smaller scope and dealing with it competently.

I will probably revisit this shortly as, having read a number of books on this subject recently, in an effort to tackle things that have been hanging around on the bookshelves for many years and wanting to weed them out, I possibly have overlooked any flaws. But I have decided to hang onto this one, so for now am awarding it 4 stars. ( )