Part fiction and part non-fiction, Witchcraft: A Graphic History: Stories of wise women, healers and magic includes the history of one woman Biddy Early, (perhaps not well-known to today’s audience, but one of Ireland’s most famous witches). It is told as a story of how she helped her village, but still people feared her powers while in-between are parts the history of witch trials, tools of the trade, familiars, types of witches/witchcraft and more. Both historical people and women of mythology come to life as we follow what a “real witch” looks like.
Author Lindsay Squire gives a slightly romanticized look at how a person would go about doing the things Early does. They have the young girl, Lyndsey, come to her looking for an apprenticeship, and the consequences of superstitions of society and the church. The facts are basically given, allowing you an introduction without going into things too deeply.
Lisa Salsi as illustrator also keeps with the slightly romanticized tone with having a clean look to things, the people and place. The cover does not give a great representation of internal illustrations, but does keep up with a whimsy you sometimes have.
Best for ages 10 and up, yet, the text can be a bit slowly paced and the actual facts can be a smidgen on the dry side. Do note that the practices are true to the faith of witchcraft and if you’re not a believer some parts might not be agreed with. However, it is a good introduction to the concept and Early herself which could whet your interest about witches and witchcraft in a safe environment told by someone who has respect for their subject.
Perhaps this is more of a 3.5 or 3.75 than a “pure four” but there is a lot going and that four is for the potential it has for other readers.
