the author met a woman in Italy in the 1800's who revealed to him Strega, the Old Religion, which pre-dated Christianity. This is an important book for Wiccans, pagans and those interested in early religious beliefs. Contains an early version of an important document called the "Charge of the Goddess", plus spells in the original Italian, with English translations. A must for any pagan or Wiccan library -- their "gospel", according to the subtitle.