starzyrose's review against another edition

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3.0

'Secrets of the Witch' is a beautifully illustrated introduction to a history of witchcraft.

With the nature of a short book such as this, the information is often very brief and one should consider that it means only certain things have been picked out to focus on, often not giving the full story on events, individuals and their circumstances.

The last quarter of the book then turns to looking at the symbolism and modern practice of witchcraft including a very small selection of correspondences.

This book is an okay introduction to a variety of things with a lot left to build upon.

starzy's review against another edition

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3.0

'Secrets of the Witch' is a beautifully illustrated introduction to a history of witchcraft.

With the nature of a short book such as this, the information is often very brief and one should consider that it means only certain things have been picked out to focus on, often not giving the full story on events, individuals and their circumstances.

The last quarter of the book then turns to looking at the symbolism and modern practice of witchcraft including a very small selection of correspondences.

This book is an okay introduction to a variety of things with a lot left to build upon.

lukiut's review against another edition

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4.0

(I recieved an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

I think this is truly the perfect place to start if one wants to indulge oneself in studying both witchcraft and its history. It is a quick summary of the witches as historical truth, from ancient times to present - how they were differently perceived at different points in time and how they actually influenced society.
In the end of the book, one can also find explanations of some symbols, plants and crystals, as well as the differences between pendulums, amulets and talismans and how to make your own.
I feel like it includes all the basics, explained in a very easy-to-understand style and accompanied by the most beautiful art style I've ever seen!
The only reasons as to why I'm not giving it 5 stars is the grammatical errors (which I hope to see corrected in the final copy of the book) and the fact that I already knew most of the facts in here (surprising, since I haven't really done in-depth research on the subject beforehand).
It is a really good place to start for a beginner, as well as a magnificent piece of art to have on display!

themichellegray's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars - This was a fascinating look at the history of how witchcraft (aka women who studied nature and used it to heal others) was perceived throughout the centuries and why its held such a negative connotation. It is quick, concise, and a great starting point for anyone curious about the subject matter.

While this chronicled the past and was paired with stunning illustrations, its not the book to read if you want to learn how to actually do witchcraft. The author grazes the topics of symbols, crystals, herbs, etc but only briefly enough to help readers determine if they want to continue learning more.

Thank you to the publishers who provided me with an ARC of this book through NetGalley!

mirandahopechurchill's review against another edition

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2.0

Read this as part of some research into writing for younger audiences, and I have to say, the illustrations were what pulled me in, and my fascination ended there. Even as an overview, there were some glaring mistakes (due to oversimplification) and misinformation. Bummer.

katara42's review against another edition

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informative mysterious fast-paced

3.5

kellen_green's review against another edition

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3.0

Looking to find a easy but quite comprehensive look on witches, their history and powers? Well this is a great option!

Secrets of the Witch is a beautifully illustrated book that takes you along for both a historical and mystical field trip, allowing you a great insight of what it meant, is and will be to be a witch.

Along it's first chapters, one can address historical context, issues and uses of the concept "witch", understanding it's strong relation with the role, power and empowering of women though out the centuries.

Following chapters provide more practical "magical" information that will be of great use as a "101 for witches" referencing relevant symbology, artifacts and much more that might come in handy.

A very short book (it's only downfall, since as a reader I wanted more information and more in-depth analysis of some elements) it sets itself as an interesting read that will be a starting point for those begginers in the topic, but also a beautiful addition to an ever growing collection for the more advance connoisseur

ARC of this book was provided for free by Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

ekearle's review against another edition

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5.0

I picked this up for information for my manuscript and I came away not only with answers but inspiration for myself. It was a fascinating book and beautifully illustrated

haveyoumetjhen's review against another edition

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4.0

I was able to be approved for an ARC on NetGalley.

This is a very basic introduction to the history of the witches and witchcraft and gives some basic understanding on how witchcraft has progressed through the centuries.
It also gives little tidbits about witches past and about sacred numbers, herbs, amulets, etc.

It was easy to read and informative.
Appropriate for young people and also for older people who are just interested in the topic.