Witchcraft: The Library of Esoterica
Product ID: 344672568
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Initiating readers in the fascinating and complex history of witchcraft, from the goddess mythologies of ancient cultures to the contemporary embrace of the craft by modern artists and activists, this expansive tome conjures up a breathtaking overview of an age-old tradition. Rooted in legend, folklore, and myth, the archetype of the witch has evolved from the tales of Odysseus and Circe, the Celtic seductress Cerridwen, and the myth of Hecate, fierce ruler of the moonlit night. In Witchcraft we survey her many incarnations since, as she shape-shifts through the centuries, alternately transforming into mother, nymph, and crone―seductress and destroyer. Edited by Jessica Hundley, and co-edited by author, scholar, and practitioner Pam Grossman, this enthralling visual chronicle is the first of its kind, a deep dive into the complex symbologies behind witchcraft traditions, as explored through the history of art itself. The witch has played muse to great artists throughout time, from the dark seductions of Francisco José de Goya and Albrecht Dürer to the elegant paean to the magickal feminine as re-imagined by the Surrealist circle of Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Leonor Fini. The witch has spellbound through folktales and dramatic literature as well, from the poison apples of The Brothers Grimm, to the Weird Sisters gathered at their black cauldron in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, to L. Frank Baum’s iconic Wicked Witch of the West, cackling over the fate of Dorothy. Throughout this entrancing visual voyage, we’ll also bear witness to the witch as she endures persecution and evolves into empowerment, a contemporary symbol of bold defiance and potent nonconformity. Featuring enlightening essays by modern practitioners like Kristen J. Sollée and Judika Illes, as well interviews with authors and scholars such as Madeline Miller and Juliet Diaz, Witchcraft includes a vast range of cultural traditions that embrace magick as spiritual exploration and creative catharsis. About the series The Library of Esoterica explores how centuries of artists have given form to mysticism, translating the arcane and the obscure into enduring, visionary works of art. Each subject is showcased through both modern and archival imagery culled from private collectors, libraries, and museums around the globe. The result forms an inclusive visual history, a study of our primal pull to dream and nightmare, and the creative ways we strive to connect to the divine. Review: Beautiful - Fantastic quality artwork and content! I just love Taschen books... they make books as they should be; outstanding quality paper and colourful artwork. Also love the collectable aspect of the Library of Esoterica, I have all 4 and they look great on my bookshelf... look forward to buying the new one when it comes out too. It is clear that much time and care has gone into making this wonderful series of books. Review: Wonderful books - Well finally l have the full set of taschen "library of esoterica" taschen books never fail,the printing,illustrations and the paper etc are always first class,,they put out beautiful books,and in this series the information is wonderful on each of the subjects that are covered,I can't praise this series enough,accurate information,tons of plates,they are just beautiful books, I own quite a large library on the occult and some of them are beautiful,but cost far more than taschen books,if you are interested in any of the topics in the series,I would highly recommend these books as a starting point,and even if you don't pursue the topic,you will have a very beautiful book to look at,wonderful.Sherlock
| Best Sellers Rank | 17,250 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 44 in Wicca 61 in New Age Mysticism |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 stars 1,065 Reviews |
K**S
Beautiful
Fantastic quality artwork and content! I just love Taschen books... they make books as they should be; outstanding quality paper and colourful artwork. Also love the collectable aspect of the Library of Esoterica, I have all 4 and they look great on my bookshelf... look forward to buying the new one when it comes out too. It is clear that much time and care has gone into making this wonderful series of books.
S**K
Wonderful books
Well finally l have the full set of taschen "library of esoterica" taschen books never fail,the printing,illustrations and the paper etc are always first class,,they put out beautiful books,and in this series the information is wonderful on each of the subjects that are covered,I can't praise this series enough,accurate information,tons of plates,they are just beautiful books, I own quite a large library on the occult and some of them are beautiful,but cost far more than taschen books,if you are interested in any of the topics in the series,I would highly recommend these books as a starting point,and even if you don't pursue the topic,you will have a very beautiful book to look at,wonderful.Sherlock
C**Y
Beautiful book
I have been collecting the full set of these Taschen books. They are beautifully bound and a very interesting read with great illustrations. This was the last one to collect and as a doorstop of a book, it came quickly and without any damage in transit. The book is brand new.
R**E
Divine
This is the most beautiful book. It was sold secondhand (like new), and I was pleasantly surprised that the book arrived in its original plastic cover. It has a bit of previous damage on the corners (from where the plastic was broken and exposed the book), which is why I think it was at such a good discount. I personally don't care too much about bashed corners so I am thrilled with the steal.
D**E
Great book
Amazing book worth it
G**X
Lovely chunk of Witchcraft
This is a well presented book with a lot of great art used to to illustrate the chapters. Each chapter covers whole areas of witchcraft in belief & practice, in myth and how it is significant in modern culture. I would say this would be a great gift for anyone even mildly interested in witchcraft around the world.
P**J
Stunningly Beautiful!
This was a treat to myself and I’m not disappointed as this book is SO beautiful that I will keep it forever! Very interesting and informative but also the cover is stunning! I’m a very happy woman! Thank You
K**Y
d
A well produced, quite heavy book, with over 500 pages printed on quality paper..it covers its subject in good detail and includes excellent accompanying illustrations on almost every other page..I was very pleased with it and was more than happy to pay the price asked.
A**Z
A Bewitching Tomb
I'm absolutely delighted by this book. I'm a fan of most Taschen tomes, but this time they've outshined themselves. Jessica Hundley writes with wisdom and sensitivity deserving of this topic. The book contains beautiful reproductions of artwork from contemporary and historic sources on quality paper. The attractive cover is worthy of displaying in my home. This is not an instruction manual though, it's a reflection on witchcraft and what it means to be a witch, or indeed, to be accused of being one! Contributors to the text include the galvanic and mesmerising Dr Kate Tomas Ph.D. I highly recommend this addition to the Library of Esoterica. My only disappointment is that the fore-edge pages of the book are not gilded: but I'm a creature of luxury.
V**Y
Eccellente
Il libro tratta della storia della stregoneria, la figura della strega e della sua evoluzione, l'influenza che ha avuto nel cinema e nella moda. Consiglio la lettura a tutti gli appassionati di occulto. Ricordo che il libro è in lingua inglese. Della stessa collana ci sono altri due volumi che sono già in mio possesso. Grazie Amazon per la consegna.
C**E
Beautiful and Cherished Book
Perfect book to buy in your journey. Great historical information, and beautiful, exotic and extremely amazing images included in its texts. The images of witches help nurture anyone's artistic side and feel more motivated to create art. Beware: I ordered two copies and both copies had damage to the spine and pages. I returned one copy to a local Whole Foods and kept the other copy that had less damage. I didn't want to keep returning and buying back and forth, and the damage was minor on the second copy.
A**N
Jätte bra
Det var jätte snabbt och enkelt att beställa och få varan levererad.
S**T
Fantastic quality
For the price it is worth it, quality of the book is fantastic. Beautiful art, lovely quotes. Information is pretty standard stuff, History of witchcraft and it’s basic facets. I have just purchased another in the series and very excited to read.
Trustpilot
1 week ago
2 weeks ago