WITCHES 2 Two Classic Book Reviews

Half-A-Ween/Half-O-Ween Video

Reviewing two classic books on Witches and Witchcraft. Was going to weight until Halloween and my Season of the Witch Season, but decided to do these book reviews a little early. Well In time for Half A Ween The first is

Witches written by Colin Wilson Illustrated by Una Woodruff first published 1988

Witches" is a full illustrated history of witchcraft and the black arts, written by well-know authority on the occult, Colin Wilson, and illustrated by the established artist, Una Woodruff..

Review

More like an overview of things more deeply discussed in his other, weightier tomes, this is nevertheless an interesting read and recap of witchcraft through the ages.

Witches written by Erica Jong Illustrated by Jos A. Smith
published 1981

This witch's brew of a book is back in all its tantalizing glory to enchant a new generation of readers. Best-selling author Erica Jong here turns her attention to the fantastical and factual world of witchcraft. In beguiling poetry and prose, she looks at the figure of the witch both as historical reality and as archetype - as evil crone and full-breasted seductress, as a lingering vestige of a primeval religion and a projection of fear of the unknown. Joseph A. Smith's powerful, haunting illustrations enliven each page, as Jong investigates the witch as a survivor of the age of sorcery, as a scapegoat for male-dominated church-state politics, as a remarkable natural healer, and as a hexer without peer. Real recipes for love potions and flying lotions, along with formulas for spells and incantations, make this book a rich journey of mystery and delight. Available in paperback for the first time, Witches has been a favorite since it was published more than 20 years ago - a testament to the enduring fascination with the myths and truths about these intriguing figures.

Review

Nothing less than a complete transformation of our concept of witches from loathsome hag to healing mother goddess is what long accomplishes with panache in this sumptuously and provocatively illustrated book.