Witchcraft. The Library of Esoterica

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I’ve given 5 Stars because its fantastic. However, I wish online store would treat products such as this with the appropriate reverence, these book do not arrive in pristine condition which devalues not only the products but those who have spent years creating such master-works. I LOVE the text in ALL these books(Tarot, Astrology and Witches). I don’t want to give 4 stars it is a 5 star book. I LOVE it. Delves into the witch's complex history, symbols, and depictions across time... * hyperallergic.com *

It also explores the idea of witch in popular culture and the movement to rekindle ownership of the word witch, taking away the negative connotations that it has attracted and letting it become shorthand for strong, powerful and woman.

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What makes a witch a witch, and what is witchcraft for? These are among the central questions explored in the lavishly illustrated Witchcraft, the latest release in Taschen’s Library of Esoterica series. Images of witches throughout the ages and in various styles are robustly represented, with visualizations of the coquettish and the stridently sexy appearing alongside hags of old and earth mothers of today. The illustrations are notable for being reproduced at remarkably high quality—which is essential, for often the artists have included key details buried in murky colors and shading. It’s wonderful to be able to notice what’s lurking in dark corners. L.A.’s homegrown institutions helped get the Library off the ground. The Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz, a library and research center founded in the 1930s by scholar, mystic and collector Manly P. Hall, has been the team’s primary research partner. The Getty, with its collection of alchemical art and texts, was another important local resource. But contributors ranged far and wide, from the Met and the British Museum to artists in Tokyo and Kenya. A tour de force, taking you all the way through the global history of witchcraft. * elitedaily.com * This is a well presented book with a lot of great art used to to illustrate the chapters. Each chapter covers whole areas of witchcraft in belief & practice, in myth and how it is significant in modern culture.

El libro me ha parecido súper interesante, a cualquiera que le interese el mundo de la brujería o el ocultismo le va a encantar. The democratization of the arcane is a welcome development, but the mystery of the occult will never lose its allure. The Library of Esoterica, a new series from the art book publisher Taschen, acts as a bridge between the dark halls of history and the vast data at our fingertips. Created by a team based in Los Angeles, the series debuted in August with “Tarot”; volume two, “Astrology ,” just landed in bookstores. “Witchcraft” is slated for September. Later when people were asking me what I wanted for Christmas, I remembered them and just had to get them all there and then.

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Initiating readers in the fascinating and complex history of witchcraft, from the goddess mythologies of ancient cultures to the contemporary embrace of the craft by modern artists and activists, this expansive tome conjures up a breathtaking overview of an age-old tradition. Rooted in legend, folklore, and myth, the archetype of the witch has evolved from the tales of Odysseus and Circe, the Celtic seductress Cerridwen, and the myth of Hecate, fierce ruler of the moonlit night. In Witchcraft we survey her many incarnations since, as she shape-shifts through the centuries, alternately transforming into mother, nymph, and crone—seductress and destroyer.

No real interest was given to any one subtopic, it contained historical statements which were inaccurate, descriptions of any popular practices were kept vague and vapid. So it will be for the next book in the series. Author, podcast host and professional witch Pam Grossman, who is co-editing the upcoming “Witchcraft” with Hundley, believes those multiple paths have always been key to witchcraft’s appeal. “There is no pope of witchcraft,” she says. “Everyone’s practice is extremely personal.” In this compendium of witchy women, from Renaissance paintings to modern Wicca, the caricature of the evil hag is turned upside down. * The Guardian * above right) The Baba Yaga as illustrated by famed Russian artist Bilibin. His “superflat” style has influenced and inspired many a prominent artists, like Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Initiating readers in the fascinating and complex history of witchcraft, from the goddess mythologies of ancient cultures to the contemporary embrace of the craft by modern artists and activists, this expansive tome conjures up a breathtaking overview of an age-old tradition. Rooted in legend, folklore, and myth, the archetype of the witch has evolved from the tales of Odysseus and Circe, the Celtic seductress Cerridwen, and the myth of Hecate, fierce ruler of the moonlit night. In Witchcraft we survey her many incarnations since, as she shape-shifts through the centuries, alternately transforming into mother, nymph, and crone―seductress and destroyer. Witchcraft The Library of Esoterica PDFA tour de force, taking you all the way through the global history of witchcraft."-- "elitedaily.com" They say never judge a book by its cover, but I totally judged this one with a stunning piece featuring the painting Circe Invidiosa by my artistic hero John William Waterhouse; and yes, the book’s contents are every bit as excellent as the cover. image above) The ethereal art work of William Blake. I highly recommend the Divine Comedy art book, also published my Taschen. Read my review for the book here. Beautiful book. Would recommend getting the whole set! The information is good the images are a great source . Nice overview of the subject with chapters written by various informed scholars and authors. Amazing photos.