The Book of Witches

A compelling study of myth, fear, and folklore, The Book of Witches examines the origins, ancient magic, and enduring power of the witch throughout history.



Witches have haunted the human imagination for centuries, feared, revered, hunted, and misunderstood. From the sacred temples of ancient goddesses to the burning pyres of witch trials, Oliver Madox Hueffer follows the evolution of the witch across cultures and centuries. Exploring the origins of witchcraft, its rituals and persecutions, he uncovers forgotten charms and traditional rituals, superstitious anxieties and arcane lore.



First published in 1909, The Book of Witches remains a fascinating account of the beliefs, practices, and cultural tensions that shaped the witch's story across ages and continents.