Witch [Hardcover]

Drawn to "bad girl power" from an early age, Candace Savage brings a historical and feminist perspective to witches. Savage doesn't simply report on the centuries-long witch hunts in Europe and America; she explains how such atrocities could happen and why these communities were so threatened by powerful, independent women. From France's witch burnings in the early 1600s through the current Halloween mascot of North America, Savage offers a well- researched discussion alongside an abundance of exquisite color artwork on every spread. While serious scholars may balk at her conversational tone, most readers will delight in Savage's trademark, engaging narrative (also found in Born to Be a Cowgirl). In the end, we are left with the impression that there is something so potent and threatening about a woman in her full power that she will always be seen as an object of fear and scorn. Savage predicts, "Until that unease is magically laid to rest, the witch will continue her wild ride into the future." --Gail Hudson --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Since the beginning of recorded history, people have feared black magic and instituted harsh penalties against anyone who "troubled the atmosphere, excited tempests... or tormented their fellow-creatures with sores and diseases." It wasn't until the 15th century that women, the "defective" gender formed from Adam's crooked rib, became the target of fertile imaginations and wrongful accusations, however. Candace Savage (Beauty Queens) in Witch: The Wild Ride from Wicked to Wicca unravels the mystery surrounding one of history's most fantastic figures. Detailing the evolution of the witch from her original incarnation as a young woman to the comical old hag of popular culture today, Savage spins an irresistible tale for feminists and fans of the occult. The recent revival of interest in black magic will help this colorful, illustrated volume appeal to younger readers as well. (Greystone [Sterling, dist.], $21.95 144p ISBN 1-55054-801-8.
-, $21.95 144p ISBN 1-55054-801-8)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Witches have always been figures electric with possibility, feared as menacing hags, but also standing as towering images of female rebellion. Trace their wild ride across the centuries, flying on brooms, turning into animals, making spirit journeys, visiting the dead, casting spells, and causing or healing illnesses. Every age has fashioned this legendary shapeshifter to fulfill its dreams and nightmares, and she has transformed from Renaissance devil worshipper to fairy-tale character to New Age priestess. A brilliant study going far beyond the witchhunts of the 1600s.

Candace Savage is the author of numerous intemationally acclaimed books, including Beauty Queens, Cowgirls, Aurora and Bird Brains. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.