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The Virago Book Of Witches
Beware the women who are called witches, or those who claim the name for themselves...
Banshees - a howling night-witch and harbinger of death; She-devils - Lilith and her daughters; or Bitches - Hecate, whose chariot is drawn by dogs.
Alluring women, enchantresses, seekers of revenge, wise old women and badly-behaved girls. As Shahrukh Husain says, witches are 'womanhood in all its complexity'.
Over fifty stories of crones and nixies, shape shifters and beauties are here, including the loving fox witch of Japan; Italy's Witch-Bea-Witch; Scotland's Goodwife of Laggan; Biddy Earl and the terrifying Kali and Baba Yaga who comes in many forms to haunt, entice, possess, transform and challenge.
From every corner of the globe, with tom-foolery, fun, strife and victory, these folklore and legends celebrate women who step out of line.
Banshees - a howling night-witch and harbinger of death; She-devils - Lilith and her daughters; or Bitches - Hecate, whose chariot is drawn by dogs.
Alluring women, enchantresses, seekers of revenge, wise old women and badly-behaved girls. As Shahrukh Husain says, witches are 'womanhood in all its complexity'.
Over fifty stories of crones and nixies, shape shifters and beauties are here, including the loving fox witch of Japan; Italy's Witch-Bea-Witch; Scotland's Goodwife of Laggan; Biddy Earl and the terrifying Kali and Baba Yaga who comes in many forms to haunt, entice, possess, transform and challenge.
From every corner of the globe, with tom-foolery, fun, strife and victory, these folklore and legends celebrate women who step out of line.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
178 people are currently reading
3590 people want to read
About the author
Shahrukh Husain
47 books17 followersBorn 28 April 1950, she is the daughter of Prince Ahmed Husain and Sabeeha (Ahmed) Husain. In 1979 Shahrukh Husain received her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.
Shahrukh Husain has lectured extensively and has worked as a consultant on TV documentaries and in an advisory role to members of Parliament on cultural matters ranging from marriage and race to religion and language issues. Husain practises as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist specialising in transcultural work. Currently, she is working on an historical screenplay for Bend It Films and completing a series of mythology books for children. Husain resides in London.
Shahrukh Husain is best known for her works. Her adaptation of "In Custody" was Ismail Merchant's directorial debut and was nominated for Best Foreign Film Oscar in 1995.
Shahrukh Husain has lectured extensively and has worked as a consultant on TV documentaries and in an advisory role to members of Parliament on cultural matters ranging from marriage and race to religion and language issues. Husain practises as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist specialising in transcultural work. Currently, she is working on an historical screenplay for Bend It Films and completing a series of mythology books for children. Husain resides in London.
Shahrukh Husain is best known for her works. Her adaptation of "In Custody" was Ismail Merchant's directorial debut and was nominated for Best Foreign Film Oscar in 1995.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 29, 2020
Great to read a bit in here and there, and really fun to get to read stories from all over the world.
October 31, 2022
An eclectic and historical collection of stories about witches, the term loosely used to describe crones, nixies, shape shifters and wise women. First issued in 1993 this now has a lovely new modern cover and an updated preface and introduction by Shahrukh Hussain.
As a kid I was obsessed with witches. My most favourite book was a Helen Hoke anthology called Witches, Witches, Witches which I still have. This book didn’t quite match it, as this book was more vague in its description of witches. And there were a few very short stories which didn’t do anything did me. Also, Baba Yaga, one of my most favourite witchy tales, was over in 2.5 pages!
That aside it’s an interesting collection of tales from around the world about women. Their ever changing societal roles are highlighted here and it’s a perfect example of the wide and varied depiction of the witch - from an evil creature to a kind helper. This book has something for everyone, with over 50 stories there is a lot to like.
As a kid I was obsessed with witches. My most favourite book was a Helen Hoke anthology called Witches, Witches, Witches which I still have. This book didn’t quite match it, as this book was more vague in its description of witches. And there were a few very short stories which didn’t do anything did me. Also, Baba Yaga, one of my most favourite witchy tales, was over in 2.5 pages!
That aside it’s an interesting collection of tales from around the world about women. Their ever changing societal roles are highlighted here and it’s a perfect example of the wide and varied depiction of the witch - from an evil creature to a kind helper. This book has something for everyone, with over 50 stories there is a lot to like.
April 29, 2023
3'5⭐
Una lectura recomendable para cualquiera que esté interesado en la figura de la bruja desde diferentes perspectivas históricas y culturales.
Algunos cuentos no han logrado capturar mi atención, pero me ha gustado la forma en que Husain aborda los relatos desde una perspectiva feminista y reivindicativa. A lo largo de la historia, las brujas han sido utilizadas para demonizar a las mujeres y controlar su comportamiento. La autora nos muestra también la otra cara de la moneda, en la que eran temidas no por su maldad, sino como un símbolo de poder, sabiduría y resistencia femenina.
Una lectura recomendable para cualquiera que esté interesado en la figura de la bruja desde diferentes perspectivas históricas y culturales.
Algunos cuentos no han logrado capturar mi atención, pero me ha gustado la forma en que Husain aborda los relatos desde una perspectiva feminista y reivindicativa. A lo largo de la historia, las brujas han sido utilizadas para demonizar a las mujeres y controlar su comportamiento. La autora nos muestra también la otra cara de la moneda, en la que eran temidas no por su maldad, sino como un símbolo de poder, sabiduría y resistencia femenina.
September 15, 2022
I adored this collection of witchy tales which are all inspired by folklore from different areas of the world.
The stories are dark and represent the facets of women that are often shunned and judged by society. These are not about well behaved women who are afraid to step out of line. They celebrate the hags, the sorcerers and the temptresses.
As with many folkloric tales, there are many complex and thought provoking themes and ideas explored in each story.
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for providing me with a free copy of this beautiful book to read and review!
The stories are dark and represent the facets of women that are often shunned and judged by society. These are not about well behaved women who are afraid to step out of line. They celebrate the hags, the sorcerers and the temptresses.
As with many folkloric tales, there are many complex and thought provoking themes and ideas explored in each story.
Thank you so much to Hachette Australia for providing me with a free copy of this beautiful book to read and review!
January 7, 2025
3.5 una gran compilación de historias sobre brujas alrededor de todo el mundo ✨️
November 4, 2019
i really loved this anthology of witchy tales from all over the world, and from over many centuries. i got to see how different times and different cultures viewed the witch, which is something i am particularly interested in. really fun and quick read!
October 1, 2025
Lo siento chicas, abandonado dramáticamente, pensaba que iba a ser otra cosa cuando lo compré tbh, peeeeeero son un montón de recopilaciones e historias cortísimas de lo que se ha contemplado como brujería y pues lo siento pero no engancha naaaaaa NEXT
July 7, 2022
2.5 stars, but upgraded to 3
There was a few hits and a looot of misses. It is to be expected since a lot of them are only one or two pages long. It was still an interesting read. If you read them solely for the stories you will probably be disappointed, but if you have an actual interest in folklore, it is worth your time.
Although it seems to be a misnomer to call this The Virago Book of Witches; its proper name should have been The Virago Book of Magical Female Creatures. Not quite as catchy, but more accurate. The stories isn't always about witches, but fairies, demons and goddesses are also a big part of this book.
One of the big selling points for me was to read folktales from all over the world. I would have appreciated if the stories had a few lines of introduction about context, because I was often confused by costoms and creatures I didn't know like a banshee and such. I would have learned so much more if it had these small introductions.
There was a few hits and a looot of misses. It is to be expected since a lot of them are only one or two pages long. It was still an interesting read. If you read them solely for the stories you will probably be disappointed, but if you have an actual interest in folklore, it is worth your time.
Although it seems to be a misnomer to call this The Virago Book of Witches; its proper name should have been The Virago Book of Magical Female Creatures. Not quite as catchy, but more accurate. The stories isn't always about witches, but fairies, demons and goddesses are also a big part of this book.
One of the big selling points for me was to read folktales from all over the world. I would have appreciated if the stories had a few lines of introduction about context, because I was often confused by costoms and creatures I didn't know like a banshee and such. I would have learned so much more if it had these small introductions.
February 2, 2023
Hay cuentos super cortos que no he entendido demasiado bien a causa de su brevedad.
Me estreso con los cuentos irlandeses, simplemente por los nombres (que no sé pronunciar). Me he emocionado al ver que hay un cuento con Anansi de protagonista. Y me ha encantado el cuento chino del granjero y el caracol.
Overall: libro entretenido para leer de vez en cuando, para recordar cuentos de brujas y para inspirarte con los pequeños detalles de cada una de las historias.
Me estreso con los cuentos irlandeses, simplemente por los nombres (que no sé pronunciar). Me he emocionado al ver que hay un cuento con Anansi de protagonista. Y me ha encantado el cuento chino del granjero y el caracol.
Overall: libro entretenido para leer de vez en cuando, para recordar cuentos de brujas y para inspirarte con los pequeños detalles de cada una de las historias.
June 24, 2008
Oh dear, I so wanted to love this book. But I found too many of the stories to be fragmentary and haphazardly translated. Disappointing because there were several that were new to me as a devoted folk/fairy tale reader. The woodcut illustrations are lovely.
August 26, 2018
Essential reading for those interested in folkloric witches. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of tales from all over the world.
June 21, 2021
Not quite what I wanted. Some hits, a lot of misses.
October 24, 2021
It was fun to sample how witches have been perseved across the globe over time.
My favourite short stories from this collection are listed below:
Indravati and the 7 sisters.
I love you more than salt.
Habetrot (reminded me of a kinder Rumplestiltskin, but the girl didn't learn a lesson)
Unfortunate
Biddy Early's Flying Magic (comical and weird)
The woman who turned her husband into a snake (short and to the point and what feels the OG inspiration of snakey behaviour!)
Kertong
Hooch for Skye!
The cauldron-born
Vikram and the Daikini
Petie Pete versus Witch Bea-Witch
I found it ineresting how faeries have been used as an interchangeable term for witches.
I like how the tone of each regions tale kept the lilt of accents, way of speaking and mannerisms.
I enjoyed the extra content that went into more depth about the stories.
This was an enjoyable collection!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
My favourite short stories from this collection are listed below:
Indravati and the 7 sisters.
I love you more than salt.
Habetrot (reminded me of a kinder Rumplestiltskin, but the girl didn't learn a lesson)
Unfortunate
Biddy Early's Flying Magic (comical and weird)
The woman who turned her husband into a snake (short and to the point and what feels the OG inspiration of snakey behaviour!)
Kertong
Hooch for Skye!
The cauldron-born
Vikram and the Daikini
Petie Pete versus Witch Bea-Witch
I found it ineresting how faeries have been used as an interchangeable term for witches.
I like how the tone of each regions tale kept the lilt of accents, way of speaking and mannerisms.
I enjoyed the extra content that went into more depth about the stories.
This was an enjoyable collection!
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
March 28, 2022
Check out more bookish thoughts and content here.
The Virago Book of Witches is great collection of witchy stories from around the world. It's a great book to dip in and out of -- I read a few every evening until I was finished. I have always loved fairytales and folklore, and one of the joys of reading this collection was seeing the similarities in lore from countries across the world.
The author has an excellent preface and introduction that are worth a read as well!
The Virago Book of Witches is great collection of witchy stories from around the world. It's a great book to dip in and out of -- I read a few every evening until I was finished. I have always loved fairytales and folklore, and one of the joys of reading this collection was seeing the similarities in lore from countries across the world.
The author has an excellent preface and introduction that are worth a read as well!
November 21, 2025
Strange and rich.
November 4, 2021
A great and diverse collection of witchy tales from all over the world, and a pleasure to read.
November 14, 2025
More accurate rating: 6.5/10.
Notes from my Reading Log:
Decent collection of witch, fairy and spirit folklore from around the world; the title of the collection was a bit of a misnomer though (since, ya know, it worked with a very broad "definition" of the word witch). The author/curator's commentary, for its part, was very bad (and largely uninteresting); historical inaccuracy and psychoanalytical bs was rife in this one, blegh. A middling reading experience overall, then.
Notes from my Reading Log:
Decent collection of witch, fairy and spirit folklore from around the world; the title of the collection was a bit of a misnomer though (since, ya know, it worked with a very broad "definition" of the word witch). The author/curator's commentary, for its part, was very bad (and largely uninteresting); historical inaccuracy and psychoanalytical bs was rife in this one, blegh. A middling reading experience overall, then.
January 13, 2023
*6*
Pueeesss recopilación de leyendas y cuentos interesante, sobretodo por recoger tantas historias de distintas partes del mundo. Pero he echado muchísimo en falta que no fuese solo eso. Me parece muy necesario un acompañamiento de explicación y/o micro ensayo sobre cada una de las historias. Es cierto que al final del libro incluye el apartado notad con breves explicaciones de cada historia, pero es que después de haber leído todas (y no son pocas) ya no recuerdo ni la mitad de ellas.
No sé, igual es que tenía las expectativas muy altas, pero me ha parecido una recopilación (interesante, no digo que no) de cuentos de brujas.
(las del capítulo de caníbales las mejores)
#ebiblio
Pueeesss recopilación de leyendas y cuentos interesante, sobretodo por recoger tantas historias de distintas partes del mundo. Pero he echado muchísimo en falta que no fuese solo eso. Me parece muy necesario un acompañamiento de explicación y/o micro ensayo sobre cada una de las historias. Es cierto que al final del libro incluye el apartado notad con breves explicaciones de cada historia, pero es que después de haber leído todas (y no son pocas) ya no recuerdo ni la mitad de ellas.
No sé, igual es que tenía las expectativas muy altas, pero me ha parecido una recopilación (interesante, no digo que no) de cuentos de brujas.
(las del capítulo de caníbales las mejores)
#ebiblio
September 30, 2023
Recopilación de cuentos populares de diferentes países sobre "brujas", con una genial introducción sobre el tema de la figura de la bruja.
Me ha gustado que separa los cuentos por diferentes tipos como brujas malas, mujeres seductoras, viejas sabias... Al final además hay notas de cada cuento con alguna explicación, las cuales recomiendo leer al terminar cada uno.
Un libro perfecto para acompañar a otras lecturas de la spooky season.
Me ha gustado que separa los cuentos por diferentes tipos como brujas malas, mujeres seductoras, viejas sabias... Al final además hay notas de cada cuento con alguna explicación, las cuales recomiendo leer al terminar cada uno.
Un libro perfecto para acompañar a otras lecturas de la spooky season.
October 19, 2021
Me gusta la clasificación de diferentes tipos de brujas, así como el estilo folk que muestra historias extrañas, con un poco de sinsentido o moralejas inusuales.
Creo que la variedad pudo ser mejor pero el libro está muy bonito.
Creo que la variedad pudo ser mejor pero el libro está muy bonito.
November 22, 2022
Books about witches always capture my attention. There is something about the feminist vibes these stories give you that is quite empowering. Especially when you think about the witch trials of the past and the way women have been blamed for the wrongs in society by the patriarchy throughout history. This book explores that and witches in folklore within different cultures around the globe. It was interesting to see how witches are depicted so differently in individual countries. Some are seen as healers, wise and good omens. Then you have the other side to them being seen as evil old hags and them running around placing curses on people and seducing men.
The stories are written in a style that is akin to the traditional old fairytales which I found at times quite hard going and I ended up having to scan read them as the words just were not sinking in. I also found, as with lots of short stories, some end up being great and highly entertaining and others less so. But I loved how they were all put into different chapters of a mixed array of topics such as Seasons and Elements and Wise Old Women etc.
Overall this is an eclectic, colourful collection of diverse witchy tales from around the world which will fascinate you lead you to celebrate the women who dared to be different.
The stories are written in a style that is akin to the traditional old fairytales which I found at times quite hard going and I ended up having to scan read them as the words just were not sinking in. I also found, as with lots of short stories, some end up being great and highly entertaining and others less so. But I loved how they were all put into different chapters of a mixed array of topics such as Seasons and Elements and Wise Old Women etc.
Overall this is an eclectic, colourful collection of diverse witchy tales from around the world which will fascinate you lead you to celebrate the women who dared to be different.
October 5, 2023
This wasnt for me. Im fascinated with witches (i grew up in the 90s with shows and movies like Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Craft, etc!) I thought reading about folklore would be interesting, but i guess i like my witch stories to be light and fun dealing with potions and magic. I found this book to deal alot with sex! This may be for you if youre really interested in the darker side of witches.
August 27, 2023
This book had been on my to-read list for years, and then I saw a beautiful edition in a new independent bookshop. The member of staff enthused about my purchase, but now that I've finally gotten to the end I'm sorry to say it was underwhelming. Maybe more satisfying for those with a willingness to employ even more of their own imagination, and/or folklore studies buffs.
October 31, 2021
I enjoyed about 80% of the individual stories.
I love how they were broke up into sections and we got stories from all different cultures. Definitely made me want to look into the stories of certain counties more.
I love how they were broke up into sections and we got stories from all different cultures. Definitely made me want to look into the stories of certain counties more.
July 20, 2020
3,5/5
November 4, 2020
4 stars
A compelling collection of legends and fairy tales about witches from all around the world. Also, note-worthy preface, introductions and final notes.
A compelling collection of legends and fairy tales about witches from all around the world. Also, note-worthy preface, introductions and final notes.
Read
November 13, 2018I'm thinking I'm like 3 weeks behind so please bear with me here. A post will happen.
gah.
gah.
August 9, 2025
a short story/ deep dive into historical witches, heck yeah!!
November 1, 2023
To finish up my Halloween reading streak, I finished the The Virago Book of Witches by Shahrukh Husain this past weekend. Not likely a book you are supposed to read straight through in a few days (although that’s what I did), it offers over 50 stories about witches from various cultures around the world. Many of the tales I recognized elements of, while others made me laugh out loud, and some just left my confused. It’s extremely comprehensive, originally published in 1993 and re-released in 2019. I’m curious if anyone has come across this book before, considering how long it has been around, so let me know in the comments!
Book Summary
Containing 59 stories in addition to a preface and introduction from the author, this is 300+ pages on all things witches, from all over the world. Some stories are only a page long, while others run up to 10 pages. Divided into general categories like “Alluring Women and Ailing Knights” and “Hungry Hags: Cannibals and Blood-Suckers” each section is dedicated to a kind of witch that we are most used to seeing. Each story includes a title, and the general area or culture that it came from. There was one from Canada, and many were Irish and Scottish, some were Chinese, Japanese, one came from Central Africa (Congo), etc. All are written or translated into English, but some used a different dialect, so the stories from Scotland used a form of English that many would consider slang, but is likely a more genuine reflection of how that story would be told. In some cases, words were used that I had never seen, but they weren’t so pivotal to the story that I felt I needed to look them up. Many of the stories had similar elements but were pieced together in different ways, which is referenced in the author’s introductions. Not quite spooky, these stories read more like fairy tales, or myths, and in many cases, warnings. In most there is a clear right and wrong way to act, and the characters are punished or rewarded accordingly.
My Thoughts
The preface gives a thorough analysis of the archetype of a witch, and why it continues to fascinate us today, referencing the resurgence in the interest of witches through celebrity and fashion. Husain looks at witches through a contemporary lens here, but also gives context to the stories and how they fit into our belief of the supernatural over time. She admits to choosing some of the stories for this collection simply because they made her laugh, which I could relate to as well. Witches have often been a symbol of feminism, their historical persecutions coming down to little more than fear of the ‘other’, or simply an outspoken woman:
“The spirit of the courageous, if sometimes foolhardy, reactions of women accused of malicious witchcraft in the early modern period, I believe, has provided a release today for the long-forbidden anger of women. The history and folklore of witches can tell us about the marginalisation and resistance of contemporary women.”
-p.xii of The Virago Book of Witches by Shahrukh Husain
Having read this preface first, I read the following stories with a sharper eye as to how the witches themselves were described; they weren’t always the villains, but they were always depicted as dangerous. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes hideous (their appearances were also commented on), they always had an element of magic or manipulation, thus, people were wary of them. Their intentions were always suspect, although sometimes their interventions proved to be helpful and good, thus aiding the protagonist rather than harming them.
One thing I was surprised by was the lack of sex in this book – perhaps much of it was coded language? The bloodthirsty witches certainly had sensual undertones in their stories, but other than that the tales were quite tame. Historically many women were accused of being witches simply for being sexually forward so I’m curious if these stories were left out purposefully, or if the sexy parts of these tales were simply edited out after years of retelling. Either way, I don’t recommend reading this book front to back like I did. Throw it in your Halloween decorations box, and read a couple stories each spooky season instead.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
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Or follow me on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivereadthis/
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Book Summary
Containing 59 stories in addition to a preface and introduction from the author, this is 300+ pages on all things witches, from all over the world. Some stories are only a page long, while others run up to 10 pages. Divided into general categories like “Alluring Women and Ailing Knights” and “Hungry Hags: Cannibals and Blood-Suckers” each section is dedicated to a kind of witch that we are most used to seeing. Each story includes a title, and the general area or culture that it came from. There was one from Canada, and many were Irish and Scottish, some were Chinese, Japanese, one came from Central Africa (Congo), etc. All are written or translated into English, but some used a different dialect, so the stories from Scotland used a form of English that many would consider slang, but is likely a more genuine reflection of how that story would be told. In some cases, words were used that I had never seen, but they weren’t so pivotal to the story that I felt I needed to look them up. Many of the stories had similar elements but were pieced together in different ways, which is referenced in the author’s introductions. Not quite spooky, these stories read more like fairy tales, or myths, and in many cases, warnings. In most there is a clear right and wrong way to act, and the characters are punished or rewarded accordingly.
My Thoughts
The preface gives a thorough analysis of the archetype of a witch, and why it continues to fascinate us today, referencing the resurgence in the interest of witches through celebrity and fashion. Husain looks at witches through a contemporary lens here, but also gives context to the stories and how they fit into our belief of the supernatural over time. She admits to choosing some of the stories for this collection simply because they made her laugh, which I could relate to as well. Witches have often been a symbol of feminism, their historical persecutions coming down to little more than fear of the ‘other’, or simply an outspoken woman:
“The spirit of the courageous, if sometimes foolhardy, reactions of women accused of malicious witchcraft in the early modern period, I believe, has provided a release today for the long-forbidden anger of women. The history and folklore of witches can tell us about the marginalisation and resistance of contemporary women.”
-p.xii of The Virago Book of Witches by Shahrukh Husain
Having read this preface first, I read the following stories with a sharper eye as to how the witches themselves were described; they weren’t always the villains, but they were always depicted as dangerous. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes hideous (their appearances were also commented on), they always had an element of magic or manipulation, thus, people were wary of them. Their intentions were always suspect, although sometimes their interventions proved to be helpful and good, thus aiding the protagonist rather than harming them.
One thing I was surprised by was the lack of sex in this book – perhaps much of it was coded language? The bloodthirsty witches certainly had sensual undertones in their stories, but other than that the tales were quite tame. Historically many women were accused of being witches simply for being sexually forward so I’m curious if these stories were left out purposefully, or if the sexy parts of these tales were simply edited out after years of retelling. Either way, I don’t recommend reading this book front to back like I did. Throw it in your Halloween decorations box, and read a couple stories each spooky season instead.
To read the rest of my reviews, please visit my blog:
https://ivereadthis.com/
Sign up for my newsletter here: https://ivereadthis.com/subscribe/
Or follow me on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivereadthis/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6E...
June 4, 2024
3.5/5
who came up with these
who came up with these
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