Grimoire

Grimoire, published in 2020, presents a narrative poem set in post-WWII Scotland that combines supernatural elements with true crime. The story centers on a brutal murder in a small fishing town and incorporates details from an actual cold case from that era. The text merges multiple styles and forms, moving between police reports, ballads, witness statements, and folkloric passages. Robertson uses both standard English and Scots dialect throughout the work, creating a document that functions as both crime log and spell book. The narrative structure pulls from Scottish folk traditions, ghost stories, and the land's history of witch trials, weaving these elements into a 1950s murder investigation. The format alternates between prose and verse sections that build the central mystery. This work explores themes of justice, community secrets, and the thin line between reality and the supernatural in isolated coastal settlements. Through its hybrid form and dual focus on documented crime and dark folklore, the book examines how stories of violence echo through time and take on mythic dimensions.

Readers praise the haunting imagery and dark folklore elements. Many note the effective blend of poetry and horror, with several comparing it to Ted Hughes' Crow. The supernatural and mythological aspects resonate with poetry fans who appreciate darker themes. Specific praise focuses on Robertson's command of language and ability to create atmosphere. "Each poem feels like entering a gothic painting," writes one Goodreads reviewer. Common criticisms include the repetitive nature of some pieces and occasional obscure references that require outside knowledge. Some readers found the violence and grotesque elements overwhelming. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (437 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.2/5 (21 ratings) "The imagery stays with you long after reading," notes one Amazon reviewer, while another states "Some poems feel needlessly opaque." Poetry Foundation readers particularly praise the section dealing with Scottish folklore, though some found these pieces less accessible without cultural context.

A Book of Dark Arts by Sophie Driscoll A collection of spells, rituals, and folk magic drawing from Celtic and Anglo-Saxon traditions.

The Green Witch's Grimoire by Ambrosia Hawthorn A spell journal combining traditional witchcraft with herbal magic and nature-based practices.

The Modern Witch's Guide by Selena Lynch A practical manual of Scottish folk magic and healing traditions passed through generations.

The Hedge Witch's Way by Rae Beth A compilation of solitary magical practices rooted in British folk traditions and natural spirituality.

Ancient Scottish Charms and Spells by William MacKenzie A documentation of historical Scottish magical practices, incantations, and ceremonial rituals from the Highland regions.

🌙 "Grimoire" blends Robertson's intimate knowledge of Scottish folklore with contemporary poetry, creating a unique hybrid of spell-book and verse that draws heavily from the ancient traditions of the Scottish Highlands. 📚 The word "grimoire" comes from the Old French "grammaire," originally referring to any book written in Latin, but later came to specifically mean books of magic spells and occult knowledge. 🖋️ Robin Robertson has won all three Forward Prizes for Poetry, making him one of only a few poets to achieve this distinction in the award's history. 🌿 The book incorporates elements of traditional Scottish "cunning folk" practices, which were local healers and magic practitioners who used a combination of herbal medicine, charms, and rituals. 🌑 Robertson wrote many of the poems in "Grimoire" during lockdown in 2020, drawing parallels between ancient isolation (of Scottish hermits and magic practitioners) and modern forced seclusion.