The Long-Lost Friend: A 19th Century American Grimoire

The Long-Lost Friend is a translation and analysis of John George Hohman's 1820 folk magic text Der Lange Verborgene Freund. The book presents Hohman's collection of Pennsylvania Dutch healing practices, protective charms, and folk remedies alongside historical context and commentary. Daniel Harms examines the origins of this influential grimoire and its impact on American folk magic traditions. The work includes the complete English translation of Hohman's text, featuring spells and formulas for treating ailments, protecting livestock, and dealing with supernatural threats. The book documents how European magical traditions merged with Native American and African American practices in early American history. Harms provides annotations that trace the sources of various remedies and explains the cultural significance of different magical elements. This study reveals the complex intersection of folk Christianity, occult beliefs, and practical medicine in early American society. The text serves as both a historical document and a window into how different cultural traditions shaped American magical practices.

Readers appreciate Harms' scholarly analysis and historical context around this Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic text. Several reviewers note the detailed annotations help explain obscure references and cultural background. Positive comments focus on: - Clear explanations of German-to-English translation choices - Documentation of different published versions - Index making spells/charms searchable - Inclusion of original German text alongside English Main criticisms: - Price point ($50+ for hardcover) - Some find academic tone dry - Wanted more practical application guidance - Limited illustrations Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.26/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (46 ratings) One occult practitioner wrote: "Finally a proper scholarly edition that puts this text in historical context." A folklore researcher noted: "The bibliographic details alone make this worth owning." Some readers suggest starting with cheaper PDF versions of just the grimoire text before investing in this academic edition.

Pow-Wows, or Long Lost Friend by John George Hoffman Original 1820 Pennsylvania Dutch grimoire containing folk magic and healing practices from German-American settlers.

The Red Church by Christopher Bilardi Collection of Pennsylvania German folk magic traditions, healing methods, and hex work documented from primary sources.

American Folk Magick by Charles Leland Compilation of Appalachian folk magic practices, charms, and healing traditions passed down through generations of rural practitioners.

Ozark Magic and Folklore by Vance Randolph Documentation of magical beliefs, healing traditions, and supernatural practices from the Ozark Mountain region during the early 20th century.

Albertus Magnus by Egyptian Secrets Medieval grimoire of folk remedies, household magic, and healing arts that influenced early American magical practices.

✧ The Long-Lost Friend was originally written in German by John George Hohman in 1820 under the title Der Lange Verborgene Freund, and became one of the most influential grimoires in American folk magic ✧ The book contains a blend of Christian prayers, folk remedies, and magical formulas that were particularly popular among the Pennsylvania Dutch community ✧ Author Daniel Harms' version includes both the original English translation from 1856 and a new modern translation, along with extensive historical annotations and context ✧ Several murder cases in the early 1900s involved copies of The Long-Lost Friend, with some criminals believing the book could make them bulletproof or invisible to law enforcement ✧ Many of the book's healing remedies and protective charms blend European magical traditions with Native American herbal knowledge, creating a unique form of American folk magic