The Witches of New York

"The Witches of New York" by Q. K. Philander Doesticks is a satirical novel written in the mid-19th century. The book dives into the world of fortune-tellers and witches operating in New York City, presenting a humorous yet critical examination of their influence on society and the gullibility of their customers. Through the eyes of a narrator referred to as the "Individual," the story explores various characters in the fortune-telling business, depicting both their absurdities and the darker implications of their practices. The opening of the novel sets the stage for the narrator's exploration of the city's witches, highlighting his intention to document their practices authentically. In the initial chapters, he formulates a humorous yet critical perspective on their profession, revealing the high volume of clients they attract, including many respectable individuals. The "Individual" recounts his adventures and misadventures in visiting various witches, starting with Madame Prewster, whose dubious practices hint at a more nefarious background. His whimsical observations and entertaining interactions serve to critique both the fortune-tellers and the societal norms that allow such practices to thrive, promising a unique blend of humor and social commentary. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mortimer Neal Thomson was an American journalist and humorist who wrote under the pseudonym Q. K. Philander Doesticks. He was born in Riga, New York and grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He attended Michigan University but was expelled along with several others either for his involvement in secret societies or for "too much enterprise in securing subjects for the dissecting room." After a brief period working in theater, he became a journalist and lecturer.