Witches and witchcraft have inspired some of the most compelling books ever. Here is a list of 10 best books about witches, witchcraft and even witch-hunting. Some of these are fiction, some are based on real events, some are fantasy and some are children’s books. There is even some nonfiction and a few classics for you here!
10 Best Books About Witches: Witchcraft And Witch-hunting Books
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
This classic play by Miller fictionalizes the gruesome witch hunt of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. He portrays this as an allegory to the persecution of the Communists in 1950s America. As the story builds up, the small town society collectively descends into madness and delusion, hanging pious women for witchcraft. The tragic end is breathtaking.
Aleph by Paulo Coelho
In this semi autobiographical book, the narrator embarks on a train journey through the trans Siberian railway of Russia. Here, he discovers Hilal, a lover from his past life. As Hilal recounts the events of her past life, where she was branded a witch and ostracized by society, a chill narrative emerges.
The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser
This first English epic is one of England’s biggest Renaissance classics. It follows the propounding of Elizabeth I’s glory. From evil witches and malevolent spirits to knights in shining armour and cross dressing heroes, this one has it all. However, this epic is written in Old English verse and is considerably dense to get through.
The Daylight Gate by Jeanette Winterson
In the late seventeenth century Lancashire, Roger Nowell interrupts the meeting of thirteen women and wonders if they are witches. There are already other witches awaiting them, and the beautiful, brave and wealthy Alice is defending them. Through simultaneous events, Winterson brings to life one of the most ghastly episodes of human history.
The Familiars by Stacey Halls
A midwife, Alice, is accused of witchcraft when she promises the multiple miscarriage sufferer to deliver a safe and healthy baby. Set against the absolute frenzy of the Salem trials of 1692, this is a chilling story about persecution and healing.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
This children’s classic portrays witches as children hating creatures who are vile and gruesome. They are not just quirky fantasy characters who ride brooms and make potions in cauldrons, rather they are cunning and hateful anti-children elements. As an orphan who comes to live with his grandma learns this and tries to evade witches, a grand story ensues.
His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
Set in a multiverse, the series follows the life of an orphan named Lyra. Her soul manifests as her companion animal, and she sets out in search of a mysterious element called Dust. This quest assumes a gigantic proportion when she is required to travel across worlds. This fantasy book featuring witches and witchcraft is extraordinary.
Witchery by Juliet Diaz
This nonfiction book explores the history of witchcraft and provides a fascinating account of how to unlock the witchy ‘magick’ within. This has paranormal and occult elements to it but is a greatly fascinating read even though you might not fully believe it. In addition, this book has roots in ancient spiritual traditions, giving a larger perspective.
The Girl Who Drank The Moon by Kelly Barnhill
The residents of Protectorate have an annual tradition to leave a baby at the doorstep of a forest witch as a sacrifice to protect the others. But they don’t know that the witch is a kind and gentle woman, who lives with a wise Swamp Monster and a tiny dragon Fyrian. But when she feeds a sacrificial baby moonlight instead of starlight and she develops magical prowess, the witch must raise her differently.
The Penguin Book of Witches by Katherine Howe
This is a compendium of actual accounts of living witches throughout time and through space, from Medieval Europe to Colonial America. From the Salem witch trials which became so famous to the Continental Congress meet in Philadelphia, this book is full of invigorating accounts.
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