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The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World
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March 25, 2025When you wish for a book that wasn't open for requests and the publisher still grants it!
Thank you Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History and NetGalley for this book.
Thank you Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History and NetGalley for this book.
March 29, 2025
If, like me, you are interested in the history of witches then you must give this book a try. I love anything witchcraft related and this detailed piece of non-fiction helped me place many of the famous witches from classical literature. This will give a lot more context to all the retellings I am reading 😌
There are references to witches in classical literature including Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey”, Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”, Vergil’s “Aeneid”, Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and more. As for the witches themselves there are references to Medea, Circe, Hecate, Erichtho, as well as Baba Yaga and so many more.
I enjoyed the comparison of how witches were regarded in classical Greek literature as opposed to classical Roman literature, and the impact they have had on the Western World.
There are even references to witches in modern film.
Because of the richness of information I will probably have to reread it, since I won’t be able to retain all the information on these interesting women’s stories for long. This is why I think this book can be used as a reference guide, something to constantly return to.
Further, I like the presence of foot notes and an extensive sources section in non-fiction, especially anything pertaining to witchcraft because it allows me to look up a lot more information regarding the subject and it shows all the research that went into writing the book.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
✨Published on 30th April 2025 ✨
There are references to witches in classical literature including Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey”, Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”, Vergil’s “Aeneid”, Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and more. As for the witches themselves there are references to Medea, Circe, Hecate, Erichtho, as well as Baba Yaga and so many more.
I enjoyed the comparison of how witches were regarded in classical Greek literature as opposed to classical Roman literature, and the impact they have had on the Western World.
There are even references to witches in modern film.
Because of the richness of information I will probably have to reread it, since I won’t be able to retain all the information on these interesting women’s stories for long. This is why I think this book can be used as a reference guide, something to constantly return to.
Further, I like the presence of foot notes and an extensive sources section in non-fiction, especially anything pertaining to witchcraft because it allows me to look up a lot more information regarding the subject and it shows all the research that went into writing the book.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
✨Published on 30th April 2025 ✨
March 12, 2025
This is interesting and I found it to be a good companion book to the witchy novels I’ve been enjoying lately. It lacks a bit of drama but if you think of it as more of a reference book I think you would enjoy it. I think a physical version of this book would be great. Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.
April 10, 2025
Exactly what I have been wanting - the history of witches from the Bible and various areas of mythology. Pieced together in a way that begs to be re-read and annotated a few times over. I desperately need a physical copy of this for that reason. Thank you to Netgalley and Pen & Sword for the eARC.
July 20, 2025
With a background in ancient history and literature, author Alexis Hannah Prescott explores how Greek and Roman gods and folklore transcend time and place.
The western world so admired the classical arts, culture, and history that centuries later schoolboys applying to the newly founded Harvard College in the 1630s had to be well versed in Latin grammar. And once enrolled, they studied Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
Curiously, students were reading classical texts imbued with the power of witches and witchcraft, which is incompatible to the Bible’s warnings. The Bible mentions forbidden practices such as divination, consulting with mediums or familiar spirits, interpreting omens, casting spells, and necromancy, though without much detail. The problem with witchcraft is in trying to manipulate spiritual forces instead of asking God for help. And the punishment for contacting demonic spirits is not being able to inherit the kingdom of God.
In case you’re not a classical scholar, Prescott provides synopses of major works—like Homer’s Odyssey, Virgil’s Aeneid, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and Lucan’s Erichtho—to explain the archetypes of Greco-Roman witches. As they transform from the strong, attractive but vindictive Greek witch to the bitter, haggard Roman one, Prescott mentions how dramatic social and political changes affected witches (and women’s) roles in society and in literature.
The author also makes the point that witch hunts in Britain and the 13 Colonies were not based on the King James Bible (1611). Being able to read and have access to the Bible was mostly limited to the upper classes and to clerics. King James himself was extraordinarily concerned about witchcraft—believing witches caused the tumultuous seas that delayed his bride Anne of Denmark’s arrival in England—so much so that he wrote Daemonologie (1597).
At the Salem witch trials in 1692, judges and some of the jury attended Harvard. They studied Greco-Roman literature featuring attractive, alluring Greek witches with deadly streaks of hostility, and Roman hag witches who torture, maim, and sabotage men. Classical witchcraft, mixed with regional folktales and backed by the Bible, was real in the dark woods and villages of Massachusetts Bay. A cursing beggar woman, a healthy cow that suddenly drops dead, sleep paralysis while dreaming of your neighbor, or shapeshifters in the shadows—what else could it be except witchcraft?
Prescott covers the witch’s metamorphosis from classical antiquity to the modern day, using literary characters we may be more familiar with, like Snow White’s wicked stepmother, Dr. Frankenstein, and Shakespeare’s weird sisters in Macbeth. Since the 1960s, she notes, Wicca and other trends have changed the classical witch dynamic.
Or maybe it’s the women taking back their power.
Thanks to Pen & Sword History for the ARC.
The western world so admired the classical arts, culture, and history that centuries later schoolboys applying to the newly founded Harvard College in the 1630s had to be well versed in Latin grammar. And once enrolled, they studied Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
Curiously, students were reading classical texts imbued with the power of witches and witchcraft, which is incompatible to the Bible’s warnings. The Bible mentions forbidden practices such as divination, consulting with mediums or familiar spirits, interpreting omens, casting spells, and necromancy, though without much detail. The problem with witchcraft is in trying to manipulate spiritual forces instead of asking God for help. And the punishment for contacting demonic spirits is not being able to inherit the kingdom of God.
In case you’re not a classical scholar, Prescott provides synopses of major works—like Homer’s Odyssey, Virgil’s Aeneid, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and Lucan’s Erichtho—to explain the archetypes of Greco-Roman witches. As they transform from the strong, attractive but vindictive Greek witch to the bitter, haggard Roman one, Prescott mentions how dramatic social and political changes affected witches (and women’s) roles in society and in literature.
The author also makes the point that witch hunts in Britain and the 13 Colonies were not based on the King James Bible (1611). Being able to read and have access to the Bible was mostly limited to the upper classes and to clerics. King James himself was extraordinarily concerned about witchcraft—believing witches caused the tumultuous seas that delayed his bride Anne of Denmark’s arrival in England—so much so that he wrote Daemonologie (1597).
At the Salem witch trials in 1692, judges and some of the jury attended Harvard. They studied Greco-Roman literature featuring attractive, alluring Greek witches with deadly streaks of hostility, and Roman hag witches who torture, maim, and sabotage men. Classical witchcraft, mixed with regional folktales and backed by the Bible, was real in the dark woods and villages of Massachusetts Bay. A cursing beggar woman, a healthy cow that suddenly drops dead, sleep paralysis while dreaming of your neighbor, or shapeshifters in the shadows—what else could it be except witchcraft?
Prescott covers the witch’s metamorphosis from classical antiquity to the modern day, using literary characters we may be more familiar with, like Snow White’s wicked stepmother, Dr. Frankenstein, and Shakespeare’s weird sisters in Macbeth. Since the 1960s, she notes, Wicca and other trends have changed the classical witch dynamic.
Or maybe it’s the women taking back their power.
Thanks to Pen & Sword History for the ARC.
April 30, 2025
Alexis Prescott’s The First Witches is an illuminating and engaging deep-dive into the origins of one of the most enduring archetypes in Western culture: the witch. Far from being a mere historical catalog, this book offers a rich, literary and cultural exploration of how ancient portrayals of divine and magical women evolved into the monstrous figures that still haunt modern imaginations.
Prescott leads the reader through the Classical canon, beginning with the beguiling Circe and shadowy Hecate in early Greek literature, before tracing their transformation through Roman texts into increasingly demonized figures. These women, once portrayed as goddesses or magical figures associated with wisdom, nature, and power, gradually became symbolic of fear, transgression, and otherness—elements that would fuel the witch stereotypes of the medieval and early modern worlds.
The book is particularly strong in its analysis of literary texts, with careful attention to how historical context shaped changing perceptions of female power. Prescott connects myth to politics with a deft hand, showing how late Republican and Imperial Roman anxieties—especially around civil strife, gender roles, and morality—fed the evolution of the witch figure. The grotesque hag-witch of Roman literature, exemplified by the terrifying Erictho and the Thessalian necromancers, emerges as a prototype for the witches of fairy tales, Gothic horror, and modern media.
One of the book’s greatest achievements is its accessibility. Prescott writes with clarity and enthusiasm, offering both academic insight and narrative flair. Readers without a background in Classics will find the material approachable, while scholars will appreciate the depth of analysis and the careful sourcing.
Ultimately, The First Witches is more than a study of mythological figures—it’s a meditation on how societies react to female power, especially when it challenges established norms. In tracing the arc from divine enchantress to malevolent crone, Prescott uncovers the roots of cultural fears that still shape gendered narratives today.
Verdict:
A captivating and thoughtful study, The First Witches reveals how ancient literature birthed the witch as we know her—dangerous, powerful, and unforgettable. A must-read for anyone interested in mythology, gender studies, or the dark side of cultural memory.
Prescott leads the reader through the Classical canon, beginning with the beguiling Circe and shadowy Hecate in early Greek literature, before tracing their transformation through Roman texts into increasingly demonized figures. These women, once portrayed as goddesses or magical figures associated with wisdom, nature, and power, gradually became symbolic of fear, transgression, and otherness—elements that would fuel the witch stereotypes of the medieval and early modern worlds.
The book is particularly strong in its analysis of literary texts, with careful attention to how historical context shaped changing perceptions of female power. Prescott connects myth to politics with a deft hand, showing how late Republican and Imperial Roman anxieties—especially around civil strife, gender roles, and morality—fed the evolution of the witch figure. The grotesque hag-witch of Roman literature, exemplified by the terrifying Erictho and the Thessalian necromancers, emerges as a prototype for the witches of fairy tales, Gothic horror, and modern media.
One of the book’s greatest achievements is its accessibility. Prescott writes with clarity and enthusiasm, offering both academic insight and narrative flair. Readers without a background in Classics will find the material approachable, while scholars will appreciate the depth of analysis and the careful sourcing.
Ultimately, The First Witches is more than a study of mythological figures—it’s a meditation on how societies react to female power, especially when it challenges established norms. In tracing the arc from divine enchantress to malevolent crone, Prescott uncovers the roots of cultural fears that still shape gendered narratives today.
Verdict:
A captivating and thoughtful study, The First Witches reveals how ancient literature birthed the witch as we know her—dangerous, powerful, and unforgettable. A must-read for anyone interested in mythology, gender studies, or the dark side of cultural memory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2025
The First Witches highlights fascinating details about early accounts of witches in Greek and Roman literature and society and beyond. The activities of witches presented in these sources were among my favorite aspects of the book. The author also presented excerpts from actual laws pertaining to activities associated with witches during this era. The material is well organized in chapters on major figures, Circe, Hecate, and Medea, as well as less familiar figures.
Many illustrations, including photos of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and book illustrations reinforce the text. There are a few I hadn't seen before. The appendices expand on the depictions of witches, and the book contains footnotes and an index.
The author discusses misogyny in many witch depictions, such as Circe’s depiction revealing male attitudes toward female power and sexuality. She also credits Ovid with including women amid the male-dominated mythology of the time.
I enjoyed the inclusion of Baba Yaga, ‘a forgotten Victorian Witch, The Wizard of Oz, and mentions of feminist retellings that counter patriarchal distortions of powerful women.
To me, a stilted writing style works against what could be an enthralling narrative. Fortunately, this book is rich in wonderful quoted material.
The First Witches stands as a worthwhile examination of early, influential witch and deity characterizations, their transformations, and social forces that affect Western representations of female power. The excellent cover, extensive research, and appealing premise will no doubt appeal to readers interested in witches in Western culture.
I recommend it for readers interested in witches, mythology, the Classical era, history, gender studies, and literature. Horror readers will find early instances of extreme, disturbing scenes that continue to arouse fear. Writers and anyone intrigued by archetypes, poison, potions, and Emperor/state tactics against women will find an abundance of provocative imagery and signs of resistance.
My thanks to Pen & Sword for the e-ARC for consideration. These opinions are solely my own.
Many illustrations, including photos of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and book illustrations reinforce the text. There are a few I hadn't seen before. The appendices expand on the depictions of witches, and the book contains footnotes and an index.
The author discusses misogyny in many witch depictions, such as Circe’s depiction revealing male attitudes toward female power and sexuality. She also credits Ovid with including women amid the male-dominated mythology of the time.
I enjoyed the inclusion of Baba Yaga, ‘a forgotten Victorian Witch, The Wizard of Oz, and mentions of feminist retellings that counter patriarchal distortions of powerful women.
To me, a stilted writing style works against what could be an enthralling narrative. Fortunately, this book is rich in wonderful quoted material.
The First Witches stands as a worthwhile examination of early, influential witch and deity characterizations, their transformations, and social forces that affect Western representations of female power. The excellent cover, extensive research, and appealing premise will no doubt appeal to readers interested in witches in Western culture.
I recommend it for readers interested in witches, mythology, the Classical era, history, gender studies, and literature. Horror readers will find early instances of extreme, disturbing scenes that continue to arouse fear. Writers and anyone intrigued by archetypes, poison, potions, and Emperor/state tactics against women will find an abundance of provocative imagery and signs of resistance.
My thanks to Pen & Sword for the e-ARC for consideration. These opinions are solely my own.
June 16, 2025
In the classical world, women of power were often associated with magic, witchcraft, and sorcery.
*Hecate*
Hecate is a complex goddess with multifaceted roles, including magic, witchcraft, and sorcery. She's often depicted as a triple goddess, representing the phases of the moon. Her domains include:
- *Magic and Sorcery*: Hecate is revered for her power to grant magical abilities and knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants.
- *Crossroads and Boundaries*: As a guardian, Hecate watches over transitions and thresholds.
*Medea*
Medea, a priestess of Hecate, is a legendary sorceress in Greek mythology. Her story is intertwined with Jason and the Argonauts, where she uses her magical powers to aid Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. Medea's abilities include:
- *Magical Potions and Spells*: Medea can brew potions, cast spells, and summon supernatural forces.
- *Rejuvenation and Transformation*: She restores Jason's father's youth.
- *Cunning and Intelligence*
Other figures:
- *Circe*: A powerful sorceress in Greek mythology, Circe was known for her ability to transform men into animals. She appeared in Homer's Odyssey, showcasing her magical powers and complex character.
- *Baba Yaga*: A prominent figure in Slavic folklore, often depicted as a witch or sorceress. She is known for her association with forests, her ability to fly in a mortar and wield a pestle, and for living in a hut on chicken legs.
- The Witches of Thessaly, in particular, Erichtho
- Canidia of Rome
- The Witch of Endor from the Hebrew Bible
- Gagool from King Solomon's Mines
- Pamphile from The Golden Ass
In ancient civilisations, witches were often revered for their abilities to:
- Heal: Knowledge of herbs and potions that could cure ailments.
- Predict the Future: Divination
- Communication with the Spiritual Realm: Witches were seen as intermediaries between the moral world and the spiritual realm.
However, as Christianity spread across Europe, witches were increasingly viewed with suspicion and fear, as they were accused of consorting with the devil. They faced social stigma. Witch hunts and trials often relied on dubious evidence and coerced confessions.
*Hecate*
Hecate is a complex goddess with multifaceted roles, including magic, witchcraft, and sorcery. She's often depicted as a triple goddess, representing the phases of the moon. Her domains include:
- *Magic and Sorcery*: Hecate is revered for her power to grant magical abilities and knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants.
- *Crossroads and Boundaries*: As a guardian, Hecate watches over transitions and thresholds.
*Medea*
Medea, a priestess of Hecate, is a legendary sorceress in Greek mythology. Her story is intertwined with Jason and the Argonauts, where she uses her magical powers to aid Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. Medea's abilities include:
- *Magical Potions and Spells*: Medea can brew potions, cast spells, and summon supernatural forces.
- *Rejuvenation and Transformation*: She restores Jason's father's youth.
- *Cunning and Intelligence*
Other figures:
- *Circe*: A powerful sorceress in Greek mythology, Circe was known for her ability to transform men into animals. She appeared in Homer's Odyssey, showcasing her magical powers and complex character.
- *Baba Yaga*: A prominent figure in Slavic folklore, often depicted as a witch or sorceress. She is known for her association with forests, her ability to fly in a mortar and wield a pestle, and for living in a hut on chicken legs.
- The Witches of Thessaly, in particular, Erichtho
- Canidia of Rome
- The Witch of Endor from the Hebrew Bible
- Gagool from King Solomon's Mines
- Pamphile from The Golden Ass
In ancient civilisations, witches were often revered for their abilities to:
- Heal: Knowledge of herbs and potions that could cure ailments.
- Predict the Future: Divination
- Communication with the Spiritual Realm: Witches were seen as intermediaries between the moral world and the spiritual realm.
However, as Christianity spread across Europe, witches were increasingly viewed with suspicion and fear, as they were accused of consorting with the devil. They faced social stigma. Witch hunts and trials often relied on dubious evidence and coerced confessions.
July 22, 2025
In this incredible exploration of women and witches in classical literature, Prescott delves into ancient texts from Homer’s Odyssey to Lucan’s De Bello Civili to understand how the archetype of the “witch” evolved from the divine figures of Hecate and Circe to the Thessalian witches and Erictho in Greek and Roman literature. Exploring the changes between Greek texts and Roman ones, Prescott argues that the hag-witch stock character from Roman literature became the basis for subsequent depictions of witches in medieval and modern texts -- the figure associated with witch hunts and fairy tales. Only by understanding this evolution and the impetus behind the Roman archetype, Prescott argues, can the modern depictions of witches across media genres be truly understood. A complex and brilliant argument, the literary and cultural analysis here offers readers fascinating insights into a plethora of texts, and Prescott really engages readers with the original documents in some fascinating ways. Perfect for scholars of media studies, classics, and literature, this easy to read and interdisciplinary book really pulls readers into the various texts and the archetype because the details are so complex and intricate. Brilliantly written and entertaining, this is a fantastic multi-discipline book that many readers will enjoy for the great writing and detailed analysis.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pen & Sword, and Pen & Sword History for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pen & Sword, and Pen & Sword History for the advance copy.
April 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
A particularly interesting topic is what drew me to this ARC - I was hoping for a lengthy and detailed examination of all of the classical forms of witches, from religious to folklore, and everything else in between. I do think that this book was a bit short, and there could have been inclusion of a few more 'fleshed out' witches and topics. There were definitely a few gaps in the narrative, and while there was some good context, there was probably a bit more of the concept of witchcraft that I might have anticipated, as well as the eventual reaction to them in society.
It was meticulously researched, however, and it was apparent that the author had more than done her research into the topics. I was heartened to see references to modern interpretations and representations of some of the witches, and I very much enjoyed picking through the notes at the end to find more information on all of the topics covered.
I think this was a really interesting dive into the early days of witches and witchcraft, and while there were a few components missing, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing more from this author in future on historical topics!
A particularly interesting topic is what drew me to this ARC - I was hoping for a lengthy and detailed examination of all of the classical forms of witches, from religious to folklore, and everything else in between. I do think that this book was a bit short, and there could have been inclusion of a few more 'fleshed out' witches and topics. There were definitely a few gaps in the narrative, and while there was some good context, there was probably a bit more of the concept of witchcraft that I might have anticipated, as well as the eventual reaction to them in society.
It was meticulously researched, however, and it was apparent that the author had more than done her research into the topics. I was heartened to see references to modern interpretations and representations of some of the witches, and I very much enjoyed picking through the notes at the end to find more information on all of the topics covered.
I think this was a really interesting dive into the early days of witches and witchcraft, and while there were a few components missing, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing more from this author in future on historical topics!
May 1, 2025
4.25🌟 rounded down
The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World explores how powerful female figures from ancient Greek and Roman literature helped shape the enduring image of the Western witch. Focusing on divine figures like Hecate and Circe as well as terrifying Roman characters such as the Thessalian witches and Erictho, the book traces how these women evolved from goddesses and enchantresses into demonized figures reflecting societal fears. It also examines the origins of the grotesque hag-witch trope that persists in folklore and popular culture, showing how classical texts laid the foundation for centuries of witch imagery.
This nonfiction book was fascinating, but a little dry and heavy. It's a shorter book but packs a lot of information into those pages. I learned quite a bit.
Recommended for lovers of classical history & those fascinated by witchcraft and mythology.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the ARC.
The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World explores how powerful female figures from ancient Greek and Roman literature helped shape the enduring image of the Western witch. Focusing on divine figures like Hecate and Circe as well as terrifying Roman characters such as the Thessalian witches and Erictho, the book traces how these women evolved from goddesses and enchantresses into demonized figures reflecting societal fears. It also examines the origins of the grotesque hag-witch trope that persists in folklore and popular culture, showing how classical texts laid the foundation for centuries of witch imagery.
This nonfiction book was fascinating, but a little dry and heavy. It's a shorter book but packs a lot of information into those pages. I learned quite a bit.
Recommended for lovers of classical history & those fascinated by witchcraft and mythology.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the ARC.
October 25, 2025
This is an interesting & informative read on the subject of where the prevailing image of the archetypical witch came from. The author argues that the modern portrayal of witches owes more to the Greek & Roman eras than it does to the Medieval.
There is also a discussion of the lasting change in their representation from the Greek idea of witches as attractive & seductive (for example Hecate & Circe) to the Roman portrayals as ugly, old hags (for example Erictho & Canidia) & the author links this to the patriarchal & misogynistic set-up of the Roman world & their fear of women with power.
There is also a brief discussion of witches in modern media such as the musicals 'The Wizard of Oz' & 'Wicked', & TV show 'Charmed' to name a few, but in the main the Roman hangover seems to prevail. It was well-researched & mentioned quite a lot of information that I wasn't aware of before.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
There is also a discussion of the lasting change in their representation from the Greek idea of witches as attractive & seductive (for example Hecate & Circe) to the Roman portrayals as ugly, old hags (for example Erictho & Canidia) & the author links this to the patriarchal & misogynistic set-up of the Roman world & their fear of women with power.
There is also a brief discussion of witches in modern media such as the musicals 'The Wizard of Oz' & 'Wicked', & TV show 'Charmed' to name a few, but in the main the Roman hangover seems to prevail. It was well-researched & mentioned quite a lot of information that I wasn't aware of before.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
April 15, 2025
A scholarly work on the oldest literary figures of witches in history, this book covers how witches were portrayed through time from ancient Greece and in the Roman Empie. Using the literature from the time period, she explains how witches were portrayed and how that portrayal changed between Greece and the Roman Empire.
Although I knew from the title that this was a book about early witches, I did not realize just how far back in history the portrayal of witches went. This book is not a light read. In some ways, it reads more like a dissertation than a book for regular readers. That being said, it is informative and uses not just one work of literature or poetry to prove her point, but as many as she can. I believe this would be an excellent book for recommended reading for classes on Greek and Roman literature, or one on views of women in that time period.
Although I knew from the title that this was a book about early witches, I did not realize just how far back in history the portrayal of witches went. This book is not a light read. In some ways, it reads more like a dissertation than a book for regular readers. That being said, it is informative and uses not just one work of literature or poetry to prove her point, but as many as she can. I believe this would be an excellent book for recommended reading for classes on Greek and Roman literature, or one on views of women in that time period.
May 24, 2025
This book traces the evolution of the witch archetype in Classical literature, from the divine figures of Hecate and Circe in Greek texts to the demonized witches of Roman literature. It explores how these literary representations shaped the Western conception of witchcraft, influencing folklore, horror, and popular culture to this day.
This book does a great job of showing how the ancient concept of female power was twisted into a malign influence by the patriarchal Roman Empire. The main focus is on literary portrayals rather than on the persecution of real people. The book is engaging, informative, and easy to read.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book does a great job of showing how the ancient concept of female power was twisted into a malign influence by the patriarchal Roman Empire. The main focus is on literary portrayals rather than on the persecution of real people. The book is engaging, informative, and easy to read.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
March 22, 2025
Absolutely brilliant! A well researched and comprehensive historical representation in a highly readable format that’s brimming with details and overflowing with all manner of witch historical information and depictions. While this is not a book about Salem, MA, I did grow up in that area and perhaps that’s why I voraciously devour all types of books on witches. This one was refreshingly different and incessantly compelling in an academic and literary way. Fascinating stuff I loved every minute of it!
April 17, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
This book was such an interesting read! We rarely encounter a non-fiction solely based on this topic. It has a lot of information that will give the reader more context on famous witches from classic literature.
There were witches from different references - Roman, Greek and many more. This shows diversity of the craft and I really enjoyed the comparison among them. I must say, this is a good reference itself or a guide.
This book was such an interesting read! We rarely encounter a non-fiction solely based on this topic. It has a lot of information that will give the reader more context on famous witches from classic literature.
There were witches from different references - Roman, Greek and many more. This shows diversity of the craft and I really enjoyed the comparison among them. I must say, this is a good reference itself or a guide.
April 24, 2025
Witchcraft is a topic that has fascinated me for a long time. So much of the media around witches focuses on witches from Medieval times. This book is a brilliant introduction to ancient witches. A captivating and well-researched book rooted in ancient sources, combined with references to modern pop-culture.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Sword and Pen for providing me with an earc in exchange for an honest review.*
*Thank you to NetGalley and Sword and Pen for providing me with an earc in exchange for an honest review.*
May 13, 2025
Loved this book! The concept of something typically thought of as "fantasy" connected to the world of old and the world of today! Love the historical aspect of it and the insight of how, in many ways, things have not changed in regards to how women are viewed. Even as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome.... Highly recommended!
April 4, 2025
‘Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
The cover alone is just divine!
I was really looking forward to this read but sadly I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would :( I think this is due to it reading more like a reference book. (citations of sources of information)
A must read for any history reader.
We learn about witches from Ancient Greece, to James I and the Witch Hunts, to the forgotten Victorian witch Gahool.
The cover alone is just divine!
I was really looking forward to this read but sadly I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would :( I think this is due to it reading more like a reference book. (citations of sources of information)
A must read for any history reader.
We learn about witches from Ancient Greece, to James I and the Witch Hunts, to the forgotten Victorian witch Gahool.
June 25, 2025
Big thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the ARC! As always, all thoughts here are 100% my own.
It’s probably no shock that I love reading about classical history. And witches. So, when I came across The First Witches by Alexis Hannah Prescott, I just knew I had to read it. And let me tell you, it absolutely delivered.
This book takes you through history exploring the evolution of witches, who they are and how they were portrayed in literature. From the Illiad and the Odyssey, through Metamorphoses and Macbeth to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the book not only highlights key references but also compares the witches in question to show how socio-political influences shaped their depictions. Then, it dives into how all of this has impacted Western literature, and the Western world in general.
Even though I was familiar with some of the arguments the book presents, the way it lays everything out is both informative and super accessible. It felt like it was organizing my own thoughts, introducing me to more details and making everything click in a whole new way. And all in under 200 pages!
Plus, the footnotes and the references section are extensive and provide with even more resources and books to dig into!
All in all, I adored this book. So much so that I found myself thinking about it while watching several movies recently!
You can also find me on: Instagram
It’s probably no shock that I love reading about classical history. And witches. So, when I came across The First Witches by Alexis Hannah Prescott, I just knew I had to read it. And let me tell you, it absolutely delivered.
This book takes you through history exploring the evolution of witches, who they are and how they were portrayed in literature. From the Illiad and the Odyssey, through Metamorphoses and Macbeth to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the book not only highlights key references but also compares the witches in question to show how socio-political influences shaped their depictions. Then, it dives into how all of this has impacted Western literature, and the Western world in general.
Even though I was familiar with some of the arguments the book presents, the way it lays everything out is both informative and super accessible. It felt like it was organizing my own thoughts, introducing me to more details and making everything click in a whole new way. And all in under 200 pages!
Plus, the footnotes and the references section are extensive and provide with even more resources and books to dig into!
All in all, I adored this book. So much so that I found myself thinking about it while watching several movies recently!
You can also find me on: Instagram
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