A CAVALCADE OF WITCHES

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1967

Which witch book is which? This is a sensitive, scholarly companion to A Cavalcade of Kings (and Queens) which considers witchcraft not simply as a source of titillation but in its various cultural connections and creative potentials. The arrangement is not chronological, but the scope is comprehensive--from Theocritus (c. 310 B.C.) to Barbara Sleigh--and varied: the only common quality is a literary flair. Some of the selections are poems, some are excerpts from novels, some are ""true"" accounts of witches; and some--the best, we think--are witches' spells (Ring-a-ring a-widder-shins), instructions on how to ""prove"" a witch, and charms against witches (Take feverfew, and the red nettle... and dock. Boil them in butter.) This diverse material is saved from disorder by a foreword on the historical aspects of witchcraft and a brief introduction to each selection which sets the scene and indicates the style. Suggesting the discrimination of the approach: the prophecies which the three witches gave to Macbeth are presented in the words of Shakespeare's source and in his own words. A thoroughly humane collection which ranges from humor to horror, and reaches out to the world and its works.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Walek

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1967

Categories: NONFICTION