To confess the truth: This is not a reliable history. It relies on the theories of 20th century anthropologists like Margaret Murray, who proposed the existence of an underground "witch cult" in Modern Europe, which preserved in nearly original form the religion of Celtic and other pre-Christian European peoples. This theory has been largely discredited by contemporary mainstream historians. Pre-Christian beliefs and practices definitely persisted throughout Europe's countrysides, but they took on new and syncretic forms. Evidence for the witch cult comes mostly from the confessions of the accused during Christian Inquisitions; confessions given under the threat of torture are often considered unreliable. Many of his other historical assertions may also prove unreliable: for example, he portrays the religions of Classical Antiquity as much more feminist and sex-positive than they usually were, and he often uses the accusations of oppressors as evidence in theorizing heretical groups.
That being said, you should definitely read this book. Arthur Evans was using theories that were largely accepted at the time, and when he collapses or simplifies history, it is to make a rhetorical point. This is, ultimately, a Pagan primer on intersectionality: Evans understood the interconnections between misogyny, heterosexism, and the oppression of those deemed "heretical" under Christianity. He understood that rich, pre-Christian cultures, which sometimes survived in trace even after colonization by Christian missionaries, were accepting, even embracing, of gender non-conformity and non-heterosexuality. He understood that such spiritualities can be reclaimed by contemporary people to create beautiful, queer friendly religion, culture, and community. He provided a path to a generation, inspired people to question oppressive ideologies and understand interconnections between multiple oppressions. Buy this book. Tell everyone you're reading Witchcraft and the Gay Counterculture; it's fun.
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