The Woman Behind Leland’s 'Aradia' – Interview & Talk

Aradia, or the Gospel of the Witches (1899) remains one of modern witchcraft’s most influential texts, with scholars continuing to debate the circumstances of its creation.

In this online launch event, Dr A. D. Manns joins Christina to discuss his new book, Aradia’s Hidden Hand: The Untold Life of Roma Lister. The book uncovers the story of Roma Lister – a British-Italian folklorist, occultist and close friend of Leland – whose role in shaping Aradia has remained hidden until now. Described by Professor Ronald Hutton as “providing important new information” on the world behind Aradia, Manns traces Lister’s connections to Italian magical practitioners and her discreet work as a medium, revealing for the first time the full extent of her collaboration with Leland.

Dr A. D. Manns has long maintained a deep interest in mystical and folkloric literature. A cultural historian, he holds a PhD from the Warburg Institute.