Rating: 
Summary: Folk Craft - Not to be Confused with Wicca
Review: This is a turn-of-the century work of folklore recording. Charles Leland set out to record as much about Strega, the Italian witchcraft tradition. As is typical of many other folk traditions in western culture, it incorporates many aspects of the Judeo-Christian tradition. This book impacted contemporary Wicca in one powerful way: it presented the basis for the first portion of "The Charge of the Goddess." Leland also put forward the claim, echoed by Gerald Gardner, that strega, the Old Religion, had its roots in ancient, pre-Christian religions. Modern Wiccans will find this view of magic and craft interesting. Some practices, such as "forcing" deities to do the bidding of mortals, seem to be radically less prevalent now. Although some Wiccan traditions (Reclaiming, for one) espouse political activism, the violent class-war material presented here also will seem out of place. An interesting bit of reading, showcasing a very different view of the world than most currently Wiccans share. More important reading than the latest "tradition" of the day to hit the shelves. A more scholarly, expanded edition has recently been published. I look forward to reading it and seeing what light it casts on this material.
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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