The Grammar of Witchcraft
David William Parry
Genre
Mini-Sagas and poems
Publication Date
10th August 2019
In this collection of Mini-Sagas and poems, Parry narrates the final journey taken by his alter ego Caliban from the surreal delights of a lesbian wedding in Liverpool, all the way back to a non-existent city of London. In himself, the author is aiming to resolve lyrical contradictions existing between different levels of consciousness: betwixt reality and the dreaming state. And as such, unnervingly illogical scenarios emerge out of a stream of consciousness wherein bewildering theatrical landscapes actively compete with notions of Anglo-Saxon witchcraft, Radical Traditionalism, and a lack of British authenticity. Each analysis points towards those Jungian Spirits haunting an endlessly benevolent Archetypal world.
This volume was recently adapted for the stage and, gained considerable attention in the Camden Fringe Festival last year.
What is more, as a critically unique text, it will also be playing at the Edinburgh Festival this coming August with the original cast.
Book Excerpt
“Beware the werewolf and his ways”,
Once said a woodsman’s wife,
“For poppy seeds flower between his teeth
When the Moon shines weird and white.
And once bitten by this loathsome beast
Only madness enflames the mind
As his poetry sings in blood possessed
By the rhythm of Romantic rhyme.
By the rhythm of Romantic rhyme, my dear,
By the rhythm of Romantic rhyme,
Only lunacy crowns a belligerent brow
With the rhythm of romantic rhyme”.
So as the Sunshine lights the day
Give thanks to bright heaven above
That another cold night has passed away
Without the werewolf falling in love
About the Author
David William Parry
Father David William Parry often refers to himself as a “catholic pastor” as his ministry is centered around the pastoral care of his congregation which is called Saint Valentine’s Hall. As it happens, as an Old Catholic Apostolic Church monsignor, he trained in Pastoral Theology at Heythrop College, University of London, and pursues his love of literature and sacred theatre through the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a TEDxLambeth speaker, as well as an elected Fellow the Royal Asiatic Society.
