Witchcraft: A Graphic History

I adored this graphic novel omg! The writing, the colours, the characters?? LOVE! Biddy is such a cool main character and I love how the story telling is woven in with the history of witches!!

I highly recommend reading this graphic novel, its a cozy fantasy read where Lindsay tries to convince age old Biddy to teach her the ways of magikal arts!

A delightful read full of history and magic. A blend of fiction and nonfiction that outlines the history of witchcraft and Biddy Early. A lovely early instructional text for those interested in witchcraft but also full of gorgeous illustrations.

This was a wonderfully informative graphic novel about a famous witch from Ireland along with helpful tidbits including general knowledge of witches and their practices.

This book has much to commend it. It tells the story of Biddy Early, a well known witch in the west of Ireland who was born in County Clare in 1798. The book does a great job of chronicling her life through words and illustrations and I could hardly put it down.

Not only does it focus on Biddy's life but also explains about the origins and history of witchcraft and its connection to nature and the world around us. Through Biddy we learn about the patriarchal society in which she lived and the stigma attached to those who used plants to heal others. We read of the rituals associated with Biddy's craft along with the persecution of the wise and cunning folk.

The book has been beautifully illustrated by Lisa Sausi in a lovely base colour palette of greens and orange.

This would make a fantastic introduction to the history of witchcraft for both adults and young people who want to learn more of its history through the story of Biddy Early. I enjoyed reading this very much and highly recommend it.

Beautiful illustrations and a lot of fascinating history in this graphic novel. It’s a quick read, and felt like a perfect October pick.

A Visual Journey Through the Mystical World of Witchcraft

In Witchcraft: A Graphic History, Lindsay Squire captivates with a visually striking and well-researched exploration of witchcraft across the ages. From ancient times to modern-day practices, the book offers an engaging overview of the history, beliefs, and cultural impact of witches, healers, and magical traditions. Through its blend of vibrant illustrations and concise narratives, one is drawn into the stories of wise women, misunderstood figures, and the enduring fascination with magic.

The graphic format enhances the accessibility of the content, making it an enjoyable read for those new to the topic as well as seasoned enthusiasts. The illustrations, with their mystical and earthy tones, breathe life into the historical events and characters discussed, while the concise writing avoids overwhelming readers with too much detail, keeping the pace light and engaging. The book shines in its portrayal of women who, despite persecution and societal fear, played significant roles in healing and spiritual practices. It offers a balanced perspective on the complexities of witchcraft, challenging misconceptions while celebrating its cultural significance.

Overall, this graphic history is an enjoyable and informative experience, perfect for anyone curious about the roots and evolution of witchcraft. It’s a visually compelling, accessible, and thoughtful tribute to the magic that has always intrigued humanity.

A unique and magical tail with art that is so stunning I want to frame it on my wall. If witchcraft interests you definitely read this and even if you’re just a little bit curious I highly recommend it!

Absolutely loved this book. Exquisitely illustrated with a lovely story which flowed beautifully. I loved the fact that whilst following the animated story, there were split descriptions of linked narrative as well as historical references.

Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

#witchcraft #history #witchcraftagraphichistory

Well told, an easily digestible wall to learn more about the history of witchcraft. I loved the illustrations and the way the dialogue was laid out.

Really quick to read, well illustrated and a very interesting topic! More targeted towards a younger audience, but I didn't mind it. Really enjoyed the reading experience!

A graphic history of witchcraft? Yes, please! I LOVED this book!

This is a super quick read that highlights some facts about one of the first woman ever to appear in historical record as having practiced witchcraft. It’s a well done graphic novel that provokes thought through the use of the authors voice as a young girl and secondary character trying to learn about Buddy and her craft.

First and foremost, the illustrations throughout were beautiful and whimsical. They brought this book to life! Just phenomenal.

Second, I really loved the bits and pieces outside of the story where it mentions different kinds of witches, herbs used, tools of the craft, and even other fairies and folklore creatures.

If you enjoy the true nature of witchcraft, this would probably be a highly enjoyable graphic novel to flip through!

I loved this so much!! Not only was it a great, true story but the illustrations were incredibly beautiful.

This was so easy to digest but was also very detailed. I enjoyed the mix of storyline and historical elements as well as the witchy descriptions of the different tools, herbs, and plants.

I feel like this would be great for readers of any age! I’ll be adding this one to my forever shelf😁

The main takeaway from this book is how stunning the artwork is. The style is whimsical and comforting, reminding me of classic fairytale books of my childhood. I am aware I am older than the intended demographic of this book, however I have been dabbling in researching witchcraft recently and how the modern day witch culture has developed from those in the history book. This graphic novel was a perfect starting point, telling the story of the history of witchcraft in an easy and digestable way using an overarching narrative whilst pinpointing important elements such as famous historical witches or the types of witches that exist. This book was absolutely stunning and I cannot wait to buy a physical copy, merely to just look back over the illustrations and be able to reference back to it when I do further research into the topic.

Such a great informative story while also having beautiful illustrations! I will absolutely be buying a physical copy when it releases! A much for a beautiful story

This was such an enjoyable and informative read! I really appreciate the seamless blend of knowledge (e.g. types of witchcraft, famous witches in history, herbal benefits) and history. The artwork is beautiful, and really adds to the impact that this graphic novel makes. The author doesn't bombard us with facts, but instead creates a whimsical narrative that is historically-based. If you're curious about witchcraft and its history, this would be a great (and seriously beautiful) graphic novel to pick up.

Thank you to Leaping Hare Press and Netgalley for the advance copy of this graphic novel.

I absolutely adored this, thank you so much for this ARC opportunity!! The story was beautiful and the history and learning was incredible. I really want this for my shelf and will be checking out the author’s other work!

A beautiful story with even more beautiful illustrations. I love all Lindsay's books and this is no exception, a lovely and enjoyable way to learn about witchcraft history ❤️🌿

Such a great book! I loved this so much. The information and storytelling was done so well and the art was absolutely amazing!

Part story, part information book, all illustrated with beauty and whimsy. I read this in one sitting, though I know I'll be back to explore the information in more detail soon. An excellent and inclusive summary of witchcraft and a gorgeous tribute to Biddy Early.

A lovely graphic novel that explored witchcraft with fabulous illustrations. An enjoyable way to learn about witchcraft.i really liked it.

4.5 stars

It is such an intriguing and very informative graphic novel about witchcraft, magic and how especially Biddy Early has shaped a lot of what witchcraft is understood as — something which could be considered its own form of science if you work with nature in a balanced way, if you only take what you need without greed. It is beautifully illustrated. I seriously like it.

Wow, I did not expect this gorgeous guide to Witchcraft in this book.

I am still trying to process what art this is. From the genuine actual art throughout the book, to the messages, to the spells provided. It is very clear the author is incredibly knowledgeable on the topic, and I gained more information than I could have ever hoped to.

This is an important book. It includes historical facts and the truth behind the practice of Witchcraft.

This altered my brain chemistry. I have been searching for something like this. I have chills. This is just so beautifully done. Wow.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!

“witch hunt: where evil men want to convict good women”….

this was an absolutely gorgeous and informational graphic novel on biddy early (one of the most important witches in history) and different aspects of witchcraft (difference types of witches and their specializations, tools, familiars, and more)

witchcraft: a graphic history is a fantastic package of beautiful art, thoughtful retelling of history, and insight for those interested in a more spiritual way of life

Wonderful! The drawings are gorgeously whimsical, and draw the eyes to every detail. I found really enjoyable how the history of witchcraft was told through the apprenticeship of Lindsay, with side information about the context, historical facts, and the specific vocabulary of the craft.
Read it from cover to cover!

This is probably the most beautiful graphic novel I have ever read. It is beautifully written and illustrated with a beautiful message. I have already put it in my shopping basket. It is a story about Biddy Early, a witch in Ireland. It features some historical facts and fun facts about witchcraft. Given the content, might be more suitable for teenagers.

This is such a beautiful history. Witchcraft has always fascinated me and when I saw this graphic novel on Netgalley I knew I needed to read it. Every page is beautifully illustrated and has a mixture of fictional story and facts about witches that existed in times past.

Biddy Early was a healer and she was ostracized in her community for being a witch. However, many in her community benefited from her tinctures and medicines that were effective in improving their health. Nature is quite healing and Biddy knew what herbs and plants to put together to give healing benefits for different ailments.

It’s sad though that instead of embracing someone who only ever acted with the best of intentions and genuinely helped others, they persecuted her.

While Biddy’s relationship with a young pupil is fictionalized, it still was a beautiful story and helped with the teaching aspect of what witchcraft was and the tools, people, and types were. In this day and age Biddy would be considered an herbologist. Someone who knows and studies the healing effects of herbs and plants and knows what each plant is useful for what ailment.

Often times the biggest part of persecution is not understanding or being willing to try to understand new ideas. These days there’s more opportunities to research and understand the things that are new to us. People like Biddy are no longer persecuted.

It is so important as human beings to be open to others who are different from us. We cannot expect others to believe the same as we do and act the same as we act. When we embrace the differences that make everyone unique we enjoy a brighter more beautiful world.

When we persecute and judge others are world becomes a darker and scarier place. My hope is that acceptance and peace between people will be more and more the norm, but I know that is long off if it ever comes to pass.

Stories like this remind us to be curious and to appreciate one another as we are. It was beautiful beginning to end.

This was a wonderful graphic novel. The art style was beautiful.
I wasn't familiar with the story of Biddy Early before, but it was very nice to learn about her and Lindsay. I liked how there were many historical facts added whenever there was the possibility to expand on something the protagonist was explaining, added to the mention of all these folk being that we usually see in fairytales and fantasy novels, and how the new takes on them differ from the original descriptions.
Once again, the art style was really wonderful and full of life. The color palette was amazing as well.
Some text was not centered inside the text bubbles/squares (sometimes fully outside) but I'm sure that will be fixed in the physical copies of the novel.
I'll be happy to recommend this, and would definitely purchase a physical copy to gift to friends of mine who are very interested in the subject or have been practicing some sort of witchcraft for some time now.

I've come across this book randomly a few months back and instantly put it onto my TBR. I was not disappointed; we are taken along the history of witchcraft by following the story of Biddy Early, who tells us all she knows about her craft. Not only is the concept unique and engaging, the illustration is astonishingly beautiful and I can see this graphic novel being perfect for beginners as well as seasoned witches alike.

I’ve never enjoyed a graphic novel so much! I’ve never really been one to read graphics but this was utterly delightful with a truly compelling story. The tale itself wasn’t only fab but it held nuggets of true wisdom too.

I loved the balance between storytelling and a non-fiction element that told you all about different types of witchcraft, historical trials and all in the witches arsenal. It was a really well written and greatly entertaining read.

The illustrations were also stunning and it’s a book I would read and reread again no problem. It’s certainly a book to have physical on your shelf. I’d love to see this beautiful story and accompanying illustrations in my hands as it would be a joy to flick through! It’s a must for all with an interest in witchcraft and its history.

Really enjoyed this, it was beautifully made perfect book to aim towards the younger generation to teach them about witchcraft. This is the kind of book I would give my child to teach them about my own craft. It’s just perfect.
Thank you for providing me this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc. This is a beautifully done graphic novel! I’m thankful to have access to it’

This graphic novel tells the story of witchcraft by telling the story of Biddy Early, an Irish witch.

It's informative, beautifully illustrated and a great story about strong women that I need these days more than ever.

I had never heard of Biddy but her story was beautiful and inspiring. I loved how the author added information about the different magical creatures, types of witchcraft and the little spells recipe.

It was a fun read, no matter your prior knowledge of Biddy's life or witchcraft. Through the graphic novel you get to know Biddy Early in a natural way alongside other facts and explanations of witchcraft. Biography, history, and theory were blended into the story very nicely, and the beautiful illustrations only elevated the entire experience.
However, there was an unexpected jump between the last two chapters. I felt like there could be another chapter in between that would provide a smoother transition.

I knew nothing about the witch Biddy, so this was a great introduction! The art was beautiful and it was such an interesting way not only to tell a story but to teach about the basics of witch craft and it's history. I think this is an easy, fun read for anyone who enjoys witches!

This was such a wonderful book. Beautifully illustrated, educational, tells the story of one of the most important witches and witchcraft, and how people intentionally harm what they don't understand. It's a must read!

Witchcraft: A Graphic History followed the story of Bridget ‘Biddy’ Early, a woman who practices ‘witchcraft’ in the woods outside of County Clare, Ireland. This blends non-fiction elements with the fictional story of Biddy teaching a young girl what she knows, while healing village locals and dealing with stigma from the local church. Practices include herbalism, mainly, but talks about the different types of witches, revered women, faerie folk, and tools of the craft.

From the very beginning I fell in love with the art style. Each piece was distinguishable and clear, while seamlessly working together to tell the story of this incredible woman. I loved how easy the font was to read, and how each scene was broken up with facts and little tidbits.

To read a book about witchcraft in a Graphic Novel format was very unique, as well as the fiction/non-fiction blend. This would be excellent for the practitioner who is new to the craft, or anyone that wants an easily digestible way to start. The author states that she is a practitioner and clearly defines when her own voice is used. Normally I would skip introductions, but this one I would Highly recommend people to read.

My one criticism of this book is that it is stated that Biddy was the first, accused of witchcraft, to appear in historical records. I would like to have known where the information on pages 94-97 came from, as some of those witch trials were before Biddy’s time. So there must have been a record somewhere. A bibliography would have been nice to see at the end of the book.

This was a fantastically easy read with some really useful information in it. I found myself wanting Biddy and her young apprentice to win, and I felt really happy when little Lindsay was helping with cooking and protection spells.

Overall I have given this book a 4.5 star rating, bumped up to a 5 for the purposes of Netgalley and Goodreads.

Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this book.

I found Witchcraft: A Graphic History a very enjoyable read. It was a perfect blend of history, story, and information. The artwork is beautiful and matches the vibe of the book perfectly. I absolutely devoured this book.

I read this courtesy NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press. With beautiful accompanying art, Witchcraft: a Graphic History explains what witchcraft really is, spoken in the voice of one of the earliest-known Western witches, an 19th-century Irishwoman named Biddy Early as she speaks to a young girl who has encountered her in the forest. Author Lindsay Squire explains about the different kinds of witches, from hereditary witches to hedge witches to folk witches to wiccan witches to eclectic witches to kitchen witches (and more!), and moreover, explains the tradition of witchery to modern times. “Magic has existed for even longer than humans have,” Biddy says to the girl, reminding the reader that in ancient Babylon, sorcerers made clay figurines and then break their legs to stop spirits from wandering the world. Earlier possible witches in mythology are referred to, such as Hecate, who was known as the queen of witches, and Circe, known for her ability to turn people into animals. Where did Biddy learn much of her magic? From the fairies, she says. Fairies like devas, who live in the woods and look like fireflies, who point witches to where they need to look when they’re looking for plants, and fairies like dryads, who are connected with trees, and if they wander too far from them, they die. We are also reminded of those who choose not to understand what is unfamiliar, and only want to harm those who would help others. After reading this, I wanted to learn more about something that we know something about—but not nearly enough.
#WitchcraftAGraphicHistory #NetGalley

TL;DR: A beautifully illustrated journey through witchcraft history, Witchcraft: A Graphic History is an empowering and enchanting read. Five stars!

Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire is a captivating exploration of magic and healing through the eyes of a curious 19th-century lady. The storytelling is rich, and the artwork is stunning, bringing to life the enchanting world of Biddy Early, the famous wise woman of County Clare.

Squire seamlessly blends history with the art of witchcraft, showcasing the diverse practices of witches and the stigma they faced. The themes of self-empowerment and feminism resonate throughout, making this not just a book about witchcraft, but a celebration of resilience and eco-spirituality. I loved learning about plant magic and the traditions that have shaped this fascinating subject.

This graphic history is not only informative but also incredibly engaging, allowing readers to connect deeply with the material. It’s a perfect blend of art and knowledge that will appeal to both history buffs and those interested in the magical arts. Highly recommend this enchanting read! Five stars!

Thanks to netgalley & publisher for this arc!

I have always been fascinated and drawn to witches and the paranormal so of course was drawn to read this gorgeously covered book! Loved the authors writing style and voice and highlighting of these amazing badass women through time who were farrrr ahead of their times! Biddy especially wow what a badass queen!

This was a fantastic graphic novel with beautiful illustrations and educational contents. It's sectioned short chapters that focus on different topics related to witchcraft and its history. I especially love the incorporation of Biddy and Lindsay's relationship and how they develop into master and pupil. This graphic history contained the perfect amount of introductory knowledge to witchcraft, but also a wholesome story between Biddy, Lindsay and the townsfolk. I highly recommend for all of the witch-lovers out there, especially during late-autumn/Halloween time!

I really enjoyed this book! I found the story to be compelling, the illustrations to be a delight, and I just thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

This book was a dream to read! Giving a brief overview of the history of witchcraft with absolutely gorgeous illustrations throughout. We follow the story of a little girl discovering the basics of magic through interacting with the wise 'Biddy' Early, while also being introduced to some of the important figures and events from the history of witchcraft. The beautiful, detailed artwork ads more than a thousand words to this otherwise short narrative, and makes this an easy, yet intriguing read, great for someone experiencing difficulties with reading or attention, and bound to inspire readers both young and grown to venture further into the world of myths and magic. The mellow, natural colours create a sense of wonder, while also perfectly fitting the more serious tone of the grave aspects of history that are revealed. While giving due respect to the persecution and suffering of those accused of witchcraft throughout the centuries, the book stays well away from any disturbing, graphic depictions. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in the mysteries of magic and witchcraft, women's history, or just with a love of graphic novels and beautiful art. I only wish it was longer!

As an Irish person myself I appreciated the opportunity to learn about this iconic Irish figure, Bridget Early through a beautiful graphic novel. The art was stunning and I loved the story. Biddy was inspirational and so ahead of her time, a time that was extremely restrictive for women due to religion and of course the patriarchy