Witches (Mystery Library) [Hardcover]

Stuart A. Kallen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Mystery Library | Publication Date: March 14, 2000

Discusses witches, including ancient witches; the years between 1450 and 1700 during which time people accused of being witches were violently persecuted; witchcraft today; and magic and spells.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-The first book traces the origins and development of witchcraft back to ancient goddess worship and healing herbalists. The text documents the subsequent demonization and persecution of witches in Christian Europe during the Middle Ages and during the Salem witch trials. Although Milton Meltzer's Witches and Witch-hunts (Scholastic, 1999) offers a more thorough history of the subject, Kallen's book devotes significant space to a discussion of the beliefs and practices of modern Wiccans. Haunted Houses gives only cursory attention to well-known apparitions and mysterious places such as Borley Rectory in England and the infamous house in Amityville, NY. Discussions of photographic techniques and fakery reveal Netzley's generally skeptical attitude toward the paranormal. Still, some poltergeist cases and the intensely investigated activities of medium Eileen Garrett are included as examples of possibly real phenomena. Chapter notes, annotated bibliographies, and detailed indexes make both volumes readily accessible resources on these often-examined subjects. Interesting sidebars and frequent black-and-white photos and reproductions add to the appeal of these straightforward series entries.
Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

What's the difference between a ghost and an apparition? Ghosts are generally connected to a specific place, represent someone who has died or an object that no longer exists, and reappear over time. Apparitions can represent a living person or existing object and appear only briefly. The Mystery Library series takes on these and other enigmas. In Haunted , Netzley investigates specific cases of haunting and related topics such as poltergeists, seances, and mediums, explaining and defining psychic phenomena and considering frauds. The content is balanced and informative. The first half of Kallen's Witches covers the history of witchcraft in Europe and America until the mid-eighteenth century. The second half takes a look at modern witchcraft, mainly Wicca, explaining rituals and beliefs with an eye toward demystifying Wicca's practice as religion. The author acknowledges the controversy surrounding witchcraft that still exists today. Each book has good-quality black-and-white photos, notes, and a bibliography. Anne O'Malley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Lucent; annotated edition edition (March 14, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560066881
• ISBN-13: 978-1560066880
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,890,567 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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