Obituary

Abstract

On November 2nd, 2023, after a serious illness, William Francis Ryan, an outstanding researcher of Russian magical culture and written tradition, member of the British Academy, Doctor Honoris causa of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the author of a number of monographs and of dozens of scientific articles, died at the age of 87. W. F. Ryan was involved with the ISNFR Committee on Charms, Charmers and Charming since before it was formally founded, and he participated in international conferences organized by the Commitee, served on the editorial board of the journal Incantatio since the journal’s first issue, and published his wonderful articles in Incantatio, as well as reviews of books written by his colleagues.