It was a fun and campy read. Previous books on the topics indicate that you should take it with a rather large grain of salt, but I enjoyed it none the less. Interesting to find out it was a works-progress book, same as some stuff that Zora Neale Hurston did. ( )

history of voodoo in US, more spells than religion

OK, yes, it's written by an "outsider" to the world of voodoo and terribly outdated, but it's a very interesting introduction to the New Orleans scene, with an especially interesting section on Marie Laveau and her daughter Marie Laveau II. The best parts are the interviews with the "current day" (the book was written in the 1940s) practitioners. Oh, and I got my copy from a prominent display at the New Orleans Voodoo Museum - which, trust me, is staffed by true believers. Worth a read. ( )

Though this book is loaded with inaccuracies about the religion of Vodou, it is a good reference source to have is used correctly. Many of the stereotypes highlighted in this very old book are still common misconceptions today. Many modern practioners keep a copy of this book on their shelves to show outsiders and new God Children alike, the consternation this religion still receives. Forewarned is forearmed. ( )