Book Review: Doctoring the Devil

Jake Richards, Doctoring the Devil: Notebooks of an Appalachian Conjure Man. Newburyport, MA: Weiser Books, 2021.  ISBN: 9781578637331.

 

Genre: Appalachia, mountain magic

Subgenre: folklore, regional interest

Format: trade paperback

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College (yes, my library has it)

 

This is the author's second book, a follow up to Backwoods Witchcraft (link to my review).  In this book, the author introduces readers to some of the old conjurers and witches of Appalachia. He also discusses and presents ways for "doctoring the devil," which refers to "rooting out any unfriendly spirit bringing bad luck, poor health, and calamities of all sorts." In addition, the author offers his own tried and true spells and recipes to conjure love, money, justice, and success. The book covers a lot of ground, yet it is interesting and informative. 

The book is arranged into 13 chapters plus an introduction, a conclusion, two appendices, and a bibliography. Appendix A covers Zodiac signs and their corresponding body parts. Appendix B features a list of herbs and curios and their uses. 

After the introduction, the book starts with some background about the region and its people. If you've read the previous book, some of this may be familiar, but most of the initial material here is new. The author defines the types of workers found in the region and provides examples. Then through stories and examples, he gradually presents other topics such as catching spirits, conjurers, rituals, roots, and more. There are many lessons in the book, but it definitely does not read like a textbook or a how to manual. The author's strength is in the writing. He combines stories and a casual conversational style with the recipes and methods. This is as close as you can get to sitting in his porch and listen to him as he teaches us and shares his wisdom and craft. 

As I noted on reading similar books, keep in mind the Bible is very prominent in mountain magic and work. This work does not go far from Christianity and its influence. 

As with the author's previous book, you do not have to be a worker to read this. If you are seeking to learn how to do it, it is a good guide. This book does emphasize more how to do things. It may be more practical than the previous book. However, it also works as a good look at the region and a very significant part of its folklore. 

Overall, this is a very good book. If you are interested in the folklore and the magical traditions, this is a good book to read. If you are thinking you may be called to do this kind of work and want instruction on how to get going, it is a good guide as well. Workers and conjurers may want to add it to their shelf. For me, this was an accessible read by an author who is a great storyteller as well as generous teacher. The book is well written and draws you in with warmth and hospitality. 

For libraries that collect books on Appalachia this book is essential. 

It is an excellent read overall, so I am willing to give it the full 5 out of 5 stars. I'd add it to my shelf. 

Additional reading notes:

On the term "doctoring the devil": 

"While many know this as conjure or root work, those raised in the work and in the known called it 'doctoring the devil,' whether you're doctoring a root for someone or doctoring them of a root they're currently under. This title acknowledges how find the line is between God and the Devil. It's easy to sway with the power" (8-9).

Some old time books and guidebooks a witchdoctor and/or conjurer might have kept, especially in the early 20th century: 

• Pow-Wows or Long Lost Friend by John George Hohman. (link to text at Sacred Texts)
• The Guide to Health by Ossman and Steel. This is an 1894 book, however, there is a new edition with commentary and introduction by Jake Richards (link to WorldCat record).
• Egyptian Secrets by Albertus Magnus. (Text via Esoteric Archives; find it also on Internet Archive).
• The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses. (Text via Esoteric Archives. Also available on Internet Archive).
  
• Ten Lost Books of the Prophets. (WorldCat record).
• Richards' grandfather also had The Guiding Light to Power and Success by Mikhail Strabo. (Available on Internet Archive).

 

What is a sin to a conjurer: 

"That is sin to a conjurer: wishing for a better life but not putting in effective steps to better it" (82). 

 

The role of faith if you undertake the works: 

"Faith and doubt cannot live in the same house, nor can fear be allowed to stand outside the door. If you plan to do this work, you must do it with every bone in your body and have nothing but trust in God and the spirits. You must have a strong will: you'll be conjuring angels and battling Devils to a fuller degree than most have witnessed. This is a way of life, and while it isn't for everyone, it is a calling that is a reward in its own. There is of course no need to be a professional at this: most folks work and use some things here and there to simply better the deck that life deals them, and that is fine" (218-219).