An invaluable relic of early 19th-century Americana, this collection of spells, incantations, and remedies is an example of that fascinating blend of Christian prayer and folk magic known as "hoodoo," which is still practiced in some areas of Pennsylvania Dutch country. In this classic work, first published in the German language in 1820 and translated into English in 1828, Hohman shares his secret magic for: . curing hysterics . protecting oneself against slander . attaching a dog to a person . making a wand for searching for iron or water . preventing malicious persons from doing injury . curing the poll-evil in horses . mending broken glass . making cattle return home . destroying rats and mice . making a candle wick that is never consumed . charming guns and other arms . and much more. Folk enchanter JOHN GEORGE HOHMAN emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1802. Not much is known about his life prior to then but once in the US he settled in a Pennsylvania Dutch community. He was a book printer and collected herbal remedies while studying charms and different ways to heal with magic.