A rare and phenomenal Pagan “encyclopedia” set.
Published in London 173 years ago is a 3-volume set of amazing books!  Purchased by the Harvard Library (Massachusetts) in 1857 and remained in the library for 126 years.
 
Noted detailed origins of Pagan customs, ceremonies, and superstitions.  Such as witchcraft, Sorcery, apparitions, omens, and charms to name a few!  A true wealth of information on these many “pagan” subjects
 
Titled: “OBSERVATIONS OF THE POPULAR ANTIQUITIES OF GREAT BRITAIN - THE ORIGIN OF OUR VULGAR AND PROVINCIAL CUSTOMS, CEREMONIES, AND SUPERSTITIONS"
"Observations on the Popular Antiquities of Great Britain" by John Brand.
The volumes are dated 1849, 1853 and 1854. A Complete set.
Brand’s Popular Antiquities Vol. I (539 pages), Vol. II (522 pages), and Vol. III (499 pages)
Each volume contains a frontispiece illustration (as shown in the photos). There is a list of contents at the beginning of each volume, and an Index at the back of volume III. by Henry G. Bohn; London.
 
 
Examples of the topic contents:  All Hallows Eve (Halloween); Sorcery or Witchcraft; Ghosts and Apparitions; Gypsies, Omens; Charms; Divination; All Fool's Day; New Year's Eve; Easter Eggs; Maypoles; ; The Harvest Moon; Days Lucky or Unlucky; Garters at Weddings; The Nuptial Kiss in the Church; Torches Used at Weddings; The Word Cuckold; Death-Bed Superstitions; Following the Corpse to the Grave; Black Used in Mourning at Funerals; Bees Informed of Deaths; Gravestones; Alehouse or Tavern Signs; Casting of Stones; Goose Riding; Kissing the Post; Love Games; Fairy Mythology; Pantomime...and much, much more.
 
 
Each book is intact and has signs of shelf wear.  Some pages do have age spots (examples in photos).  Some minor library pencil/pen markings as shown in the photos, however, is noteworthy of their circulation. There are also intact library “stickers” markers dating back to its 1857 purchase by the Harvard Library (both front and back inside covers)
 
If you study pagan history and are looking for historic content, these books would be an amazing addition to your personal historic library.  They are truly fantastic!
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