The art drew me in. The whimsical retelling of a history I feel like I truly knew nothing about pulls you in with such heart. I enjoyed how it was so informative but also didn’t make me feel completely in the dark with the current stories that know.

This book is an incredibly powerful graphic novel, a journey through the history of women who were persecuted simply for their knowledge and independence.

Set in Ireland and dedicated to the figure of Biddy Early, the first woman accused of witchcraft to appear in historical records of the country, where ancient pagan beliefs coexist and clash with a strong Catholic faith, this work is above all a story of self-empowerment, feminism, and sisterhood. It outlines the boundaries of the prejudices that made the lives of many healers and wise women dangerously difficult.

Through captivating artwork and a compelling, emotionally intense narrative, this graphic novel brings history to life. Anyone fascinated by the theme of witchcraft—especially from a female perspective, exploring the rediscovery of ancient traditions and the stigma that led to the persecution of innocent people in the name of senseless prejudice—cannot miss this volume.

Witchcraft: A Graphic History feels like I’ve been waiting a lifetime to read! I found the both the art and the content to be gorgeous and satisfying, I just absolutely loved this book! I will be purchasing a physical copy to read and reread in years to come!

Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire is an engaging and visually striking exploration of the history and evolution of witchcraft. The blend of historical insight and bold illustrations makes it both informative and enjoyable, though at times it feels more like an overview than a deep dive. Still, it’s a beautifully crafted book that serves as a great introduction to the subject.

Thanks to Netgalley for giving me access to an advanced digital copy. This was a delightful read full of history and magic. A pretty informative graphic novel about a famous witch from Ireland including some knowledge of witches and their practices.

I really enjoy graphic novels and love the history of witches so I was very excited to find one focusing on the history of witchcraft in Europe. This story focuses on Biddy Early, one of the earliest witches recorded in history. I hadn't heard of Biddy Early so I was very intrigued. For me the best part of this story was everything we learn about witches and witchcraft. We learn about spells, witch trials, different types of witches, familiars, herbal usage/lore, and so much more.

I also loved the illustrations in this graphic novel! They were very pretty and easy to read/follow. Overall I really enjoyed this and would love to see more graphic novels like this one!

While I’m not typically one for a graphic novel, Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire was an amazing and educational read. I didn’t know much about witchcraft, and the book hooked me with its beautiful graphics and retellings of the history of witchcraft.

I really enjoyed the book. The illustrations are truly beautiful, and I loved how it blends historical facts about witches with the modern ways these elements can appear in our lives. I also appreciated that it didn’t only focus on the well-known famous trials but included smaller cases and mentioned certain famous and known witches, most of whom I had never heard of before.

i feel in love with the story and the drawing, we got the story of a herbal witch and a young little girl who wants to be like her someday, but they live in a society were been witches its something bad, and in the middle of the story they tell us the story of salem, types of witches, and more its a nice graphic novel to read.

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This graphic novel was part fiction and part non-fiction, telling the history of witchcraft in Europe this book also had beautifully illustrated graphics.

Thank you NetGalley, publishers and the author for an advanced readers copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for this ARC.

I LOVED this graphic novel, the story was easy to follow and the illustrations were beautiful and cohesive.
I couldn't stop flipping through not only was it a cute cosy read, but it was also informative. A beautiful way of retelling history!

I say this in the kindest possible way but, this book reads like classic propaganda. Just like Sunday-school books and anti-Nazi pamphlets, this book is hardly what I would call a 'History'
Yes, it's an account of the life of Irish witch Biddy. However, with little sense of concrete evidence, this reads like a children's story with open eyes to the existence of witchcraft, fae, and other kinds of magic at face value.
It also states that "witches are not persecuted anymore" which seems like a disingenuous statement at best when, although not hunted and murdered, anyone who practices witchcraft is often met with disdain at least in many American circles.

Interesting, but ultimately not really Historical.

A gorgeous book which I would love to own.

I enjoyed the Ebook version of this book but can't wait for a physical copy.

The illustrations were as much a part of the story as the words.

Beautiful and informative and I eill be getting my oen copy as soon as it's out!

I would like to thank the author, publisher and NG for allowing me to review this ARC with honesty.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was a history on witchcraft but in a graphic format. I struggle with nonfiction because its trying to cram so much info dumping that it I grow bored and hearing this as a different format was a great idea.

That being said, I struggled between the story and the information. I liked the idea of showcasing Biddy's life but it did become a bit abrupt during the information popping in and out. It kept knocking me out of Biddy's story. I understand you have to put the information somewhere but it became too distracting. I also struggled with Biddy's story herself. She seemed very preachy and I get it, this is supposed to about her life and some things were needed to show her life - yet, I began to realize how much this wasn't for me. I've always been fascinated with different religions but this seemed to be overwhelming. I think this just didn't hit as great for me. The artwork was beautiful though!

Rating: 3 (Rounded up)

2.5 stars, rounded up.

A beautifully illustrated graphic novel that I am not quite the audience for. Based on the title, I expected a bit broader of a scope than I found, even with Biddy's story being used as a framing device for more general history. Additionally, while graphic non-fiction is a fantastic way to present information in an accessible and appealing format, I do think anything that presents itself as telling real history should have clearly detailed sources, in one form or another. I'm sure that Biddy Earley was a remarkable person, but this portrayal of her reads like a hagiography in a way that raised my hackles.

As I said, this is a beautifully illustrated and well thought out work, and I'm sure there are people who will enjoy it much more than I did.

I love it.
I love it.
I love it.

The artwork is incredible. The color palette is perfect.
This graphic is educational and inspiring and I want to own my copy immediately.

I’d recommend this to anyone with even a slight interest in the history of witchcraft and modern magic.

This graphic novel gives an account of the life of Biddy Early and of the history of witchcraft in Europe. I found it fascinating to learn about the different aspects of witchcraft and thought the illustrations were beautiful.

I would say that I wish we had seen more of Biddy’s life as that aspect did feel a bit rushed. I feel like it would have been better if it was longer. I enjoyed the relationship between a Biddy and her student and thought that was developed well.

I would recommend this book to those interested in witchcraft and who appreciate lovely illustrations.

I thought this was interesting and the artwork was lovely. It wasn’t really for me although it was ok to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book! I really enjoyed the art style and the layout of the book. It was really informative and taught me a lot about witches and their history. I did also enjoy the story about Biddy Early and Lindsay in the graphic novel style as it added a fictional element to an otherwise nonfiction book.

What brought the rating down is just how the non-fiction elements came into the fiction story and vice versa. The non-fictional elements would bring me out of the story at a point where I’d be invested as there would be quite a bit to read before returning to Biddy and Lindsay’s story.

This is a unique non-fiction book that provides a lot of really useful information while adding in a story that uses that information in its plot. This is a really good read for anyone wanting to learn more about witches and I would still recommend giving it a read.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Lindsay Squire’s Witchcraft: A Graphic History is a visually stunning and enlightening exploration of the history, myths, and magic surrounding witches, centered on the fascinating figure of Biddy Early. This graphic novel blends storytelling, history, and a touch of whimsy to craft a captivating narrative that feels both empowering and educational.

What Works:
The framing device of a young, curious 19th-century woman meeting Biddy Early adds an engaging, personal touch to the book’s historical recounting. Biddy acts as both guide and mentor, introducing readers to the magickal arts and the social and political context of witchcraft during her lifetime. Squire strikes a fine balance between historical detail and storytelling, ensuring that the narrative remains accessible while offering plenty of substance for those interested in history, magic, or both.

The inclusion of themes like feminism, self-empowerment, and eco-spirituality makes this book more than a historical account—it’s a celebration of the resilience and wisdom of women who embraced their roles as healers and community leaders, despite the stigma and dangers they faced.

Biddy Early’s story is particularly compelling. Her role as a healer who accepted barter instead of monetary payment underscores her connection to her community and her resistance to societal norms. Her eventual conflict with the Catholic Church and local authorities is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women who lived outside conventional expectations.

The artwork is another standout feature. The graphic format brings the story to life with vibrant illustrations that capture the magic and mystery of the subject matter. The depictions of rituals, plants, and the rural Irish landscape are richly detailed, enhancing the immersive experience.

Favorite Moments:
The scenes where Biddy shares her knowledge of plant magic and healing are both fascinating and practical, offering glimpses into traditional wisdom that feel relevant even today.
The exchanges between Biddy and her inquisitive young visitor are charming and filled with warmth, giving the book a conversational tone that draws readers in.
The confrontation with the Church and local authorities is a powerful moment, underscoring the societal pressures and prejudices that defined Biddy’s time.

Themes and Relevance:
The book’s focus on eco-spirituality and the connection between magic and the natural world feels particularly timely, as modern readers increasingly seek out ways to reconnect with nature. The exploration of feminism and dealing with stigma also resonates, making the historical narrative feel fresh and relevant.

Critiques:
While the graphic format is a strength, the book occasionally feels constrained by it. Some sections feel rushed, and there’s room for a deeper dive into certain aspects of Biddy’s life or the broader history of witchcraft. Additionally, while the conversational tone is charming, it might feel overly simplistic for readers looking for a more academic exploration of the subject.

Final Thoughts:
Witchcraft: A Graphic History is a vibrant and engaging introduction to the history and magic of witches, with a focus on the inspiring figure of Biddy Early. Lindsay Squire has crafted a book that is equal parts history lesson, celebration of empowerment, and visual delight. Whether you’re new to the subject or a seasoned enthusiast of all things magickal, this graphic history is sure to enchant and educate in equal measure. A perfect pick for readers looking to blend historical insight with artistic storytelling!