Eyewitness Books: Witches and Magic Makers
Douglas Hill
DK
Nonfiction, MG? Magic
Themes: Magic Workers, Occult
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Description
Wands and spellbooks, pointed hats and long robes... this may be how popular culture depicts witches today, but since prehistory magic-makers have been known around the world in different guises. Often respected, sometimes feared, it was mostly in relatively modern times that they were relegated to the role of cackling old evildoers. This book describes magic traditions from many cultures and times, from the Stone Age to the present.
Review
Few things are as seemingly intrinsic to the human condition as the belief in magic, of forces beyond ourselves that can be angered, placated, or even outright controlled. There are also few traditions so maligned as the practice of magic, which leads to some very muddied waters for anyone attempting to delve into the history of those beliefs. This book does not condemn, but merely shows the costumes and tools used by magic-makers around the world. A good visual reference, with some nice information in the text.