The Devil and Demonism in Early Modern England [Amazon, Bookshop, Publisher, Local Library] by Nathan Johnstone, from 2009, part of the Cambridge Studies in Early Modern British History series

“An original book examining the concept of the Devil in English culture between the Reformation and the end of the English Civil War. Nathan Johnstone looks at the ways in which beliefs about the nature of the Devil and his power in human affairs changed as a consequence of the Reformation, and its impact on religious, literary and political culture. He moves away from the established focus on demonology as a component of the belief in witchcraft and examines a wide range of religious and political milieux, such as practical divinity, the interiority of Puritan godliness, anti-popery, polemic and propaganda, and popular culture. The concept of the Devil that emerged from the Reformation had a profound impact on the beliefs and practices of committed Protestants, but it also influenced both the political debates of the reigns of Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I, and in popular culture more widely.

Focuses on a neglected yet fascinating area of early modern history

Challenges traditional beliefs and conceptions about the Devil

Examines demonology within the wider political, social, cultural and religious history of early modern England”

“Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The synagogue of Satan: anti-Catholicism, false doctrine and the construction of contrariety
2. Temptation: the Protestant dynamic of diabolic agency and the resurgence of clerical mediation
3. Satan and the godly in early modern England
4. Incarnate devils: crime narratives, demonization and audience empathy
5. ‘What concord hath Christ with Belial’: de facto satanism and the temptation of the body politic, 1570–1640
6. ‘Grand Pluto’s progress through Great Britaine’: the civil war and the zenith of satanic politics
7. ‘The Devil’s Alpha and Omega’: temptation at the cutting edge of faith in the civil war and the interregnum
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.”

The Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects [Amazon, Local Library] by Alexandra David-Neel and Lama Yongden, from 2017, facsimile reprint of the 1960 edition

“The Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects by Alexandra David-Neel and Lama Yongden is an influential exploration of esoteric Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice. Drawing from David-Neel’s extensive travels and studies in Tibet and her collaboration with Lama Yongden, the book provides insights into the mystical teachings that are traditionally transmitted orally from master to disciple. The book bridges the gap between Eastern spirituality and Western audiences, revealing profound spiritual concepts while maintaining respect for the secrecy of certain practices.

The Secret Oral Teachings in Tibetan Buddhist Sects offers a profound glimpse into the mystical heart of Tibetan Buddhism. It continues to inspire readers with its timeless wisdom and its call to transcend the superficial layers of existence to uncover the ultimate truth.”

“This is an account of the Madhyamika (Middle Way) school of Buddhism, a method of mediation and enlightenment that was developed by the great Indian teacher Nagarjuna. In a collaboration between the Frenchwoman Alexandra David-Neel and her friend, the Tibetan lama Aphur Yongden, these teaching are presented clearly and elegantly, intended for the layman who seeks a way to practice and experience the realization of oneness with all existence.”

A Witch’s Book of Days [Amazon, Bookshop, Publisher, Local Library] by Victoria Raschke, due September 2026

“A Witch’s Book of Days is your invitation to weave magic into every day of the year. Blending history, personal practice, and global traditions, Victoria offers daily observances, spells, recipes, and reflections to inspire a richer, more connected magical life―no matter how busy the mundane world gets.

Every Day Holds a Spark of Magic

In a world that often pulls witches and magical practitioners away from their craft, A Witch’s Book of Days offers a way to reclaim enchantment, one day at a time. Drawing from a lifetime of study, personal practice, and a passion for uncovering forgotten celebrations, Victoria weaves together a rich tapestry of observances, rituals, recipes, and reflections to inspire magical living every day of the year.

Unlike traditional seasonal guides that center only on the eight sabbats or the phases of the moon, this book opens a much wider door. It honors the familiar while also inviting readers to explore a vibrant range of modern, historical, and ancient observances from cultures across the world.

Victoria’s thoughtful curation encourages readers to see the sacred in the everyday and offers accessible practices to fit even the busiest schedules. Whether through a simple meditation, a kitchen spell, a crafted charm, or a meaningful reflection, readers are guided to create their own evolving Book of Days.

Carefully researched and extensively referenced, A Witch’s Book of Days is indispensible to witches and neo-pagans who seek to live more intentionally, honoring the turning of time with wonder and wisdom.”

Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice [Amazon, Bookshop, Publisher, Local Library] ed C Pierce Salguero, due April 2026

“Everyone knows that meditation is good for your health and well-being. However, a percentage of people practicing meditation experience psychotic breaks and related adverse mental and physical side effects. Are these symptoms of improper practice or an unavoidable part of spiritual cultivation? While contemporary scientific literature is just beginning to document such phenomena, Buddhist communities have for centuries warned practitioners about “meditation sickness,” “wind illness,” “demonic attack,” and other potential dangers. Due to language barriers, their important writings have remained virtually unknown in Western medical, scientific, and practitioner communities. Here, for the first time, historical and contemporary teachings on the topic from around the Buddhist world have been brought together. The works not only identify these ailments as possible side effects of meditation practice, but also explain why they arise and how they can be effectively prevented and treated. Meditation Sickness will transform the way we think about meditation in the West.”