Lindsay Squire, known as @thewitchoftheforest on Instagram, introduces the history and practical elements of witchcraft to even the most novice readers via the life story of Bridget Ellen "Biddy" Early, a 19th-century Irish herbalist and folk magic practitioner. Because it is deeply rooted in oral tradition, folk magic runs the risk of being "lost to the mists of time." Squire, who has been practicing witchcraft for more than a decade, writes in the introduction to Witchcraft: A Graphic History that she documented Early's story to keep her life and practice alive. Squire inserts herself into the book as Early's fictitious apprentice, which enables her to serve as a proxy for readers and ask questions of her mentor as she furthers her education in magic. "Magic has existed for even longer than humans have," Early explains to her young student. Sprinkled throughout the book are overviews of the most prevalent types of witches, famous witches across history, everyday tools of the practice, and common spells and their uses, as well as examples of the brutal and sometimes widespread persecution witches have faced.
Lisa Salsi's beautifully detailed illustrations enliven it all, employing an ethereal color palette that somehow evokes spring and fall equally. Salsi's depictions of witches are reminiscent of Alphonse Mucha's Art Nouveau paintings of glamorous women. This succinct initiation to witchcraft will entice readers to explore the lore surrounding one of the world's oldest healing and spiritual practices. Squire has dedicated herself to the aid and education of fledgling witches, and with Witchcraft: A Graphic History, she has created an excellent primer for those looking to dip their toes in. --LeeAnna Callon, manager/bookseller/fishwife at Blue Cypress Books