J. T. Sibley Releases THE WAY OF THE WISE

Before the age of wonder drugs and modern practices, medicine in rural Norway was actually quite sophisticated compared to that of the Continent. J. T. Sibley presents a wide variety of treatments, herbal cures and magical spells used by the local healer; some dating back to medieval times, if not earlier. To date, "The Way of the Wise: Traditional Norwegian Folk and Magic Medicine" (published by Xlibris) is the most detailed presentation on this topic in the English language.

It is fortunate that so much was recorded by historians, folklorists and ethnographers. The Black Books (grimoires) focused on recipes, treatments, and magic for man and beast in rural Norway, a place where the schooled doctors rarely set foot. The local Wise Woman (and occasionally Man) was a doctor, therapist, veterinarian, dentist and midwife, making her or him an essential part of rural society and culture.

Among the many topics presented in this volume are treatments for epilepsy, gout, boils, magical attacks by annoyed supernatural beings, constipation and hemorrhages, among others. In spite of the fact that they were clueless about bacteria or viruses, the rural Norse had a good grasp of nutrition as well as practical treatments for lice, ringworm, tuberculosis, rickets and leprosy. Some treatments were purely magical in nature, but it is well-known that placebos are effective in many cases. This book will fill many gaps for interested persons on the history of medicine and herbalism in the far north, Norwegian lore and pre-20th century rural medicine.

"The Way of the Wise"
By J. T. Sibley
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 318 pages | ISBN 9781514421932
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 318 pages | ISBN 9781514421949
E-Book | 318 pages | ISBN 9781514421925
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Author J. T. Sibley is a specialist in Norse mythology, folklore and runes. Aside from writing, she is engaged in her small spice blend business, selling at farmers' markets, various folklore-oriented conferences, Renaissance fairs and online.

Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news.

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