Rating: 
Summary: The Origins of Modern Witchcraft
Review: This book, written in the late 1800's, is the answer to those in the Craft who believe all modern witchcraft stems from Gerald Gardener. It is clear from this book that although Doreen Valiente is credited with the Charge of the Goddess and other staples of modern witchcraft, these credos had their origins in Strega, and Strega is witchcraft that has fragments that have survived from Etruscan times. Strega survived the Inquisition. (See "Night Battles.")True, modern witchcraft has a strong connection to Gardener, Valiente, Crowley, Fortune and the Golden Dawn, which has its roots in Masonic practices. Gardnerian witchcraft is a hybrid religious practice, and even Gerald Gardener never made any claims to the contrary. The newer version, edited by an Itallian folklorist, claims that the original Italian-English translation misinterprets some idioms and that may be true. In order to keep the meter and rhyme of the verse, some poetic license had to have been taken, and in looking at the Italian, I think that this is probable. I have not yet read the newer version, but look forward to doing so for the editorial comments. This book is a must for any British traditionalist.
Rating: 
Summary: Good work
Review: This new translation of Charles Leland's classic corrects many of the original errors, comparing Leland's renderings of Italian with Pazzaglini's own renderings. Pazzaglini offers a chapter that explores Leland and his witch informant Maddalena, along with a brief overview of various elements that pertain to the period in which the original text was written. The section by Pazzaglini on Magical Principles and Practices provides a glimpse into the folk magic of Old Italy. Other chapters such as the one by Robert Mathiesen are best taken with a grain of salt. While the new translation is indeed a book that one should add to their library of books on witchcraft, the entire work itself could well have benefited from an expert on Leland and Italian witchcraft such as Raven Grimassi. The Aradia material portrays Italian witches worshipping the Roman deities Diana and Lucifer. Here we find perhaps the earliest mention of witches worshipping a mated set of male and female deities. Diana's witches gather nude during a full moon ritual and celebrate with cakes and wine, something we also later find in the writings of Gerald Gardner on Wicca. Throughout the new Aradia book we encounter various elements of Italian folklore, folk magic, and witch lore seen through the filters of Judeo-Christian concepts. When one considers the era in which the original text was written, there is really very surprise to find such a view. The Aradia material is an important part of the history of modern Wicca and for that reason alone this new translation is an important book. For a greater understanding of Italian witchcraft read Etruscan Roman Remains by Leland.
Rating: 
Summary: On my must-read list
Review: Yes, this is the grandaddy of all the wiccan/pagan books. It is what some of Gardner's ideas are based on, and that alone makes it an interesting read. This particular edition has major background on Charles Leland (we share the same birthday!), the original text, the new text with new translation of the italian, and the line-by line retranslation including how the italian was supposed to be in the first place and what it was supposed to mean. I was very impressed by all the information, and alot of the original Leland stuff is supported by still-existing stregha and italian traditions today. Very very good read. Go get it! :}
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