Henri Gamache

Henri Gamache was the pen name used by Anne Fleitman (1906-1990), an American writer who published works on magic and the occult in the 1940s. Her books, all released in New York City, were largely popular compilations drawing from existing occult, folklore, and herbalism texts, with proper attribution. A significant aspect of Gamache's work is its connection to Afrocentric theories, particularly those of Marcus Garvey.

The identity of Henri Gamache was initially a subject of dispute. Claims that Joseph W. Kay (also known as Joseph Spitalnick) was the author were later disproven. Investigations revealed that Kay was primarily a publisher and printer who acquired publication rights to works by a Mr. Young in exchange for debt. In 2021, research by Catherine Yronwode, including interviews with Fleitman's relatives and examination of copyright records, confirmed Anne Fleitman as the true author behind the Henri Gamache pseudonym. Fleitman was a politically liberal woman who supported the Civil Rights Movement and owned several publishing houses.

Under the pseudonym Henri Gamache, Anne Fleitman produced a series of books focused on practical magic, occultism, folklore, and herbalism. These works were characterized as semi-scholarly popular compilations, meticulously citing their sources in previously published material. While drawing from diverse esoteric traditions, Gamache's writings are particularly noted for their engagement with Afrocentric perspectives, notably those associated with Marcus Garvey. This integration of African-American thought and magical practices is a distinctive feature of her literary output.

Among Henri Gamache's most recognized books are 'The Master Book of Candle-Burning,' a significant text in African American hoodoo folk magic, and 'Terrors of the Evil Eye Exposed,' which explores global beliefs surrounding the evil eye. A particularly influential work is 'Mystery of the Long Lost 8th, 9th, and 10th Books of Moses.' This book is rooted in the Garveyist idea that Moses was a Black African. Its content is further influenced by Zora Neale Hurston's novel 'Moses, Man of the Mountain,' which presents the biblical Exodus story from an Afro-American viewpoint. The book also incorporates ancient magical spells derived from sources like the Greek Magical Papyri and 'The Sword of Moses,' linking them to the purported sequels of the Jewish grimoire 'The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses.'

The true identity of Henri Gamache remained a mystery for decades. Initial assertions by publisher Joseph W. Kay, who claimed authorship of Gamache's works, were eventually debunked. Evidence suggested Kay was a printer and publisher who acquired rights to existing works. Later research, notably by Catherine Yronwode in 2013 and definitively in 2021, confirmed Anne Fleitman as the author. This confirmation came through interviews with Fleitman's family and thorough examination of U.S. copyright records. Fleitman, who also operated under the name Sally Edwoods, was a multifaceted individual with business interests beyond publishing.