Folklore

Spell books in Guernsey are often known as "les mauvais livres" or bad books.

They were also known as les grammailes, a version of the French word Grimmailes, which means books for invoking the demons.

The most famous were the Albert books, lé grand Albaërt and lé p'tit Albaërt. They contained recipes for spells and incantations, as well as astrology, metallurgy and cures.

It is said that many people who own the books are reluctant to admit it.

The books are said to be almost indestructible.

If they are thrown in a fire or water they are said to reappear on the spot from which they were taken.

The only way to get rid of them is said to be by burying them in a grave, saying a service over them and drenching the place with holy water.

The books are set to put fires out when they are thrown on them and dry up wells if dropped in them.

One method used is by burying the books under a mound of manure and making sure the layer just over the books is never removed.

A woman in St Peter Port is said to have been converted to believe in witchcraft after her son used a spell in the book to stop her butter churning.

It's thought copies of the Albert books and other mauvais livres still exist in the island, and some are said to be available in the Priaulx and Guilles Alles libraries.