The Mysteries of All Nations

The Mysteries of All Nations is a book by James Grant, first published in 1880. In this sweeping exploration, Scottish author and folklorist James Grant traces the rise and spread of superstition, witchcraft trials, and ancient rituals across cultures and eras — from Druids and ancient Greece to medieval witch trials and modern customs.

Drawing on nearly forty years of antiquarian research, he examines how myths, charms, omens, divination, miracles, and folk practices reflect collective fears and beliefs, comparing legends and superstitions from around the globe to reveal common threads in human psyche and culture. Grant’s work, steeped in Victorian curiosity, offers a rigorous yet engaging portrait of how superstition has shaped laws, societies, and spiritual life, cementing its place as a significant study in comparative folklore and cultural history.