Book Review: The Blessing Of Pan

I first ran across the title for this book in another book called "The Triumph of the Moon" which details the evolution of Wicca and modern Witchcraft in England, and is also a fabulous book. "The Blessing of Pan" was written in 1928 by a British aristocrat named Lord Dunsany. In the novel, the small English town of Wolding is described in the opening as having some unnamable problem emanating from a haunting melody that sweeps down over the hills of the town and entrances the villagers. It is told partially, but mostly from the point of view of the vicar, who attempts to not only stop the music, but its strange effects upon the villagers. I will not give away the ending of the book here, but I find it an interesting read that sheds light on what early revivers of Paganism must have expected the spirituality to bring about in the modern world, if indeed they expected the spirituality to survive. It does seem to follow the early 20th century notions of romanticizing ancient cultures and the image of the noble savage, as it is so frequently called. The book is well written in its narrative, and follows the long detailed style of its very near Victorian period. It goes on in its story not to give the Pagans all credit, or indeed very much say in how the story is told. In fact, I find the most interesting part of the story to be that of the vicar's transformation and struggle with his own Christian faith, which anyone who, like myself, grew up in a firm Christian upbringing might first have with the idea of people worshipping Pagan Gods. Because of the size of the text and how quickly the storyline moves it is a quick read, and I feel well worth the while in understanding how a person comes from one to the other.

The Blessing of Pan

Lord Dunsany

Published by Wildside Fantasy Classics

ISBN 0809530759

For this, and all future book reviews, I recommend finding it at your local Pagan or Metaphysical

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