A Witch's Halloween by Gerina Dunwich © 2007 Provenance Press (an
imprint
of Adams Media www.adamsmedia.com) ISBN 978-1-59869-340-9 237 pages
Paperback $10.95 (U.S.) $13.95 (Canada)
I know that this is a book for the general populace and not just for the
Pagans in the world - she says so in the preface. In my opinion that
makes
it even more imperative to separate the sensationalist legends from the
merely interesting ones; which is why the first chapter in this book
really
bothered me. Gerina is a well known, and well respected, author and I
really expected a bit more discrimination and selectivity in that chapter.
Gerina has brought together a large amount of lore about this most
popular,
and familiar, holiday. There is information for the general reader as
well
as for the followers of Pagan paths. For that reason I can overlook some
of
the more questionable "facts" in this book.
Some facts which just beg for amplification are simply left hanging (e.g.,
if the cross-quarter days occur when the sun is 15 degrees into fixed
signs
[about November 7th for Samhain] why did the date of October 31st/November
1st become the accepted one?). A short explanation would have been
beneficial, especially for the general reader.
On a totally personal note, I was mildly inconvenienced by the color of
ink
chosen for this book. The brown ink on cream colored paper could be a
problem for those with eye problems. Plus I am not sure if it will become
more difficult to read over the years. I much prefer a standard black
ink,
although this choice does provide the feel of an old, faded family
heirloom
which has been carefully preserved through the generations.
While I would not recommend this book as the ONLY source of information
for
someone looking for background information, I would definitely p0ut it on
a
short list. It is, overall, an excellent book; fun to read; and helps to
dispel some of the more noxious beliefs about Halloween.
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