World Folk Magic

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Vivida's Folk Magic of the World

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Introduction & Series Review

These lovely small illustrated books are steeped in ancient legends, magic, and traditions from around the world. The books analyse popular magical traditions from different cultures through illustrated traditions, looking at magical practices, divination, and plant lore, as well as providing short portraits of influential historical figures and legendary characters.

The books are naked hardbacks with decorative sprayed page edges, bright full-page folk art on every secdon page, monochrome illustrated endpapers, and sturdy smyth-sewn pages. Different authors and illustrators have been carefully selected for each collection, while still maintaining a strong sense of series cohesion.

The first three books (focussing on Italian, Celtic and Japanese folk magic) were released in English in January 2026. Future titles are anticipated to cover Slavic, Nordic, Chinese, and North American traditions. They are affordable and informative, and it looks to be the start of a great new collection!

List of books

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Japanese Folk Magic - Marianna Zanetta & Asuka Ozumi, illustrated by Danilo Kato

Vivida/White Star. 9788854421837. Jan 12, 2026.

“Enjoy the ancient practices of Japanese popular magic.”

Looks at magic practices like onmyōdō (the way of Yin and Yang) and shugendō; healing rituals such as kanpō medicine and reiki; divination practices like miko and yakudoshi; deities including the Seven Gods of Fortune; creatures like the Oni; and historical figures including Himiko and Fujita Kototome.

Celtic Folk Magic - Giulia Manzi, illustrated by Alice Guidi

Vivida/White Star. 9788854421844. Jan 13, 2026.

“Enjoy the ancient practices of Celtic popular magic.”

Looks at magic and spells like Celtic pouches and cauldron magic; important plants like oak and ash; divination practices such as Ogham, alphabet of the trees; and historic figures including Brigid, the lady of knowledge.

Italian Folk Magic - Azzurra D'Agostino, illustrated by Elisa Macellari

Vivida/White Star. 9788854421851. Jan 12, 2026.

“Enjoy the ancient practices of Italian popular magic.”

Looks at magic and spells like warding off the evil eye; important plants such as garlic and olive oil; divination practices like coffee reading and the smorfia; spirits and deities like Anguane and Lenghelo; and historical figures including Janare and Madgòn.