Witchcraft: A Graphic History followed the story of Bridget ‘Biddy’ Early, a woman who practices ‘witchcraft’ in the woods outside of County Clare, Ireland. This blends non-fiction elements with the fictional story of Biddy teaching a young girl what she knows, while healing village locals and dealing with stigma from the local church. Practices include herbalism, mainly, but talks about the different types of witches, revered women, faerie folk, and tools of the craft.

From the very beginning I fell in love with the art style. Each piece was distinguishable and clear, while seamlessly working together to tell the story of this incredible woman. I loved how easy the font was to read, and how each scene was broken up with facts and little tidbits.

To read a book about witchcraft in a Graphic Novel format was very unique, as well as the fiction/non-fiction blend. This would be excellent for the practitioner who is new to the craft, or anyone that wants an easily digestible way to start. The author states that she is a practitioner and clearly defines when her own voice is used. Normally I would skip introductions, but this one I would Highly recommend people to read.

My one criticism of this book is that it is stated that Biddy was the first, accused of witchcraft, to appear in historical records. I would like to have known where the information on pages 94-97 came from, as some of those witch trials were before Biddy’s time. So there must have been a record somewhere. A bibliography would have been nice to see at the end of the book.

This was a fantastically easy read with some really useful information in it. I found myself wanting Biddy and her young apprentice to win, and I felt really happy when little Lindsay was helping with cooking and protection spells.

Overall I have given this book a 4.5 star rating, bumped up to a 5 for the purposes of Netgalley and Goodreads.

Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this book.

I liked the concept and parts of this were really informative and easy to digest. I liked the colouring/art of pages 94 - 97.

Unfortunately though I wasn't a fan of the art style which is key for my enjoyment of graphic novels. There were consistent mistakes with my edition too of the text not matching up with its "bubble" and made it difficult to read at times. Unsure how this got through quality check and it would be an obvious issue with even just a cursory glance.

The title made me believe this would be a sweeping history of witchcraft and not just a little information on one witch and her (author insert) pupil.

The writing was poor with a staccato flow and bad pacing. The dialogue was often unrealistic and also very poor.

Overall disappointing. Feels like a lazy computer-generated fanzine. It has good bones but either needs an editor or whoever edited this needs to be replaced.

2.5/5

Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire provides a visually enchanting introduction to the history of witchcraft. The book explores the legacy of wise women and healers who used their knowledge and intuition in ways that were often misunderstood—and, at times, feared. As someone interested in the history of magic, I found it to be an engaging read, though I was left wanting a bit more depth in certain areas.

It told us the story of Biddy Early, one of Ireland’s most famous witches, who became known for her healing powers and unique methods. It's mostly a nonfictional story and this book hints at her trials and the obstacles she faced, but the storytelling feels somewhat rushed, skimming over crucial parts of her life and legacy. I would have loved a deeper dive into her experiences, especially regarding the trial she endured, which would have given readers a richer sense of her impact and the challenges she faced during her lifetime.

The art style is another highlight of this graphic novel. The illustrations are detailed and atmospheric, bringing a certain mystical energy that aligns beautifully with the theme. Each page is a visual treat, capturing the allure and mystique of the witchcraft world. In addition to its visuals, the book includes small magical tips and insights, which add an interactive element that I think beginners in the witchcraft world would especially enjoy. These little tips give it a practical edge, as if inviting readers to explore further.

Despite its strengths, the book feels more like an introduction than a comprehensive history. I was expecting more, maybe other witches' stories, but this might be a perfect place to start, it’s easy to follow, visually captivating, and offers just enough to spark curiosity.

Overall, while I was expecting a bit more depth and detail, I still enjoyed Witchcraft: A Graphic History. It’s an accessible read for newcomers and a visually delightful exploration of a fascinating subject. I would recommend it to those who are curious about the history of witchcraft and are looking for a visually engaging starting point.

A history of witchcraft through graphic storytelling. We follow a young girl who meets Bridget Early, a young witch from Ireland who worked as a healer. Bridget, also known as Biddy, explains different practices and herbs that she uses to craft her healing ointments and potions.
In the story, we see the growing paranoia of the townsfolk, influenced by the church. This story does end on a happy note, though, because Biddy was one of the few women who stood trial as a witch and wasn't convicted due to witnesses not showing up at the last minute.

This fictional story was a fun way to learn about a woman in history that I'd previously had no knowledge of. But it's important to note that it doesn't truly teach you about witchcraft or how to practice.

i was so excited to dive into this but it fell so flat. focused more on ONE witch rather than many throughout history. incredibly white-washed unfortunately. the art itself is GORGEOUS. honestly, with what this could have been mixed with the art it would have been an automatic hardcover buy for me. truly it was witchtok personified and I dont mean that as a compliment lmao

I found Witchcraft: A Graphic History a very enjoyable read. It was a perfect blend of history, story, and information. The artwork is beautiful and matches the vibe of the book perfectly. I absolutely devoured this book.

I received a copy from NetGalley for a review. This graphic novel is a fictional story of Biddy Early, an Irish herbalist, and her apprentice, the author herself. Mixed into this story are facts about witches and their beliefs as well as how they have been treated historically.

I really enjoyed the story and the history, but felt that they often didn’t transition well. There were points where I had to pause and clarify what was happening. There were also a couple formatting issues, where the font didn’t sit in the text box.

Overall, the story was beautifully illustrated, and the pictures made the story all that more enticing.

The first thing that stood out in the book was the significance of historical feminism, which is really incredibly important at a time when we're already starting to forget the roots of it. That too, told in such a simple yet artistic way that is attractive to the readers of literary fiction as well as ones who do not identify as readers of any kind. Kids of all ages should also have fun while reading the book, every page of which is so beautifully cared for, every character portrayed with such attention that I'm sure they would enjoy it.

The graphics are just so sweet and the conversations so sweet and yet realistic. This is a perfect graphic novel for kids and adults alike, knowledgeable and fun to read, I enjoyed every bit of it. I love how the truths aren't cut short, like the ones about the witch trials and Christians detesting magic, the raging sexism, and spiteful hatred for witches.

Summing up, this was a perfect read, suitable for all ages and all occasions.

I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that I knew Biddy Early because I didn't. I met her through this graphic novel and from what Lindsay, author and protagonist of this great story, tells us.

Biddy Early was a 19th century Irish healer and healer, known for her mystical abilities and deep connection to Irish folklore. From this graphic novel I went to investigate a little more about his life (beyond what one knows in this story) and everything he meant in his time and even today in the present.

It was a most engaging and very original story. I think I could read many more stories with this format because they invite you to learn in a much more dynamic way. And for those who are curious, there is much more to investigate, learn and read.

Thank you very much Quarto Publishing Group – Leaping Hare for the ARC I read on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was worried because the first sentence was "we are the granddaughters of the women we did not burn" I really hate that saying, but at least this time it was "women" and not "witches". I did really like the art. It was pretty wordy for a comic, but there is a lot of information to cover. I didn't notice any errors in the information.

4 stars

I read this courtesy NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press. With beautiful accompanying art, Witchcraft: a Graphic History explains what witchcraft really is, spoken in the voice of one of the earliest-known Western witches, an 19th-century Irishwoman named Biddy Early as she speaks to a young girl who has encountered her in the forest. Author Lindsay Squire explains about the different kinds of witches, from hereditary witches to hedge witches to folk witches to wiccan witches to eclectic witches to kitchen witches (and more!), and moreover, explains the tradition of witchery to modern times. “Magic has existed for even longer than humans have,” Biddy says to the girl, reminding the reader that in ancient Babylon, sorcerers made clay figurines and then break their legs to stop spirits from wandering the world. Earlier possible witches in mythology are referred to, such as Hecate, who was known as the queen of witches, and Circe, known for her ability to turn people into animals. Where did Biddy learn much of her magic? From the fairies, she says. Fairies like devas, who live in the woods and look like fireflies, who point witches to where they need to look when they’re looking for plants, and fairies like dryads, who are connected with trees, and if they wander too far from them, they die. We are also reminded of those who choose not to understand what is unfamiliar, and only want to harm those who would help others. After reading this, I wanted to learn more about something that we know something about—but not nearly enough.
#WitchcraftAGraphicHistory #NetGalley

"Witchcraft: A Graphic History" by Lindsay Squire is a captivating journey through the mystical and historical world of witchcraft. This graphic novel not only delves into the enchanting tales of wise women and healers but also dives into the rich history of magic's past. Through the story of Biddy Early, a renowned Irish healer, readers are transported to a time where witchcraft was both feared and revered. The author is basically transported along with us and acts as Biddy's apprentice. The illustrations are just as GORG as the narrative, bringing to life the green wisdom and traditions of the craft. This graphic novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, blending factual history with the artistry of graphic novels. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of feminism, eco-spirituality, and the legacy of witchcraft. With its blend of adorable art and real history, this book is a treasure!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Leaping Hare Press for the EArc!

While the approach to frame the narrative of Biddy Early's life through a self-insert is commendable, it really doesn't add to the overall flow or form of the narrative. One could have very well done without it. A more in-depth information about the witch trials and witches who were tried or burned at the stake would have added a certain gravitas to the seriousness of the herbalists lost, especially if the author is stressing on how dangerous it was then for women inclined towards the arts. A sentence or two over a double spread doesn't do them justice,

There is a lack of exploration about Early's personality and life in the graphic novel — it doesn't satisfy the curiosity one would have after reading the blurb or looking at the cover. One could put forth the retort that it is a graphic novel, but there are graphic novels on bookshelves which have dealt with topics from the past with must research and knowledge showing all the bones and meat.

Is it good as a starter on Early? Yes, but without the yeast. The story never reaches its potential and therein lies the problem. Instead we have categories of witches, the spirits of the forest — folklore staples. I wish the author focused on Biddy Early more, to know that an individual like her existed and to read about her life and how she used her intuitive skills to heal, cure, and help people and also survive in a time where women weren't really treated fairly, would have been a more satisfying read.

This story blends fiction with the real history of Biddy Early, the most well known witch in Irish history who fought against the men accusing her of witchcraft in the 1800s and wanting to punish her because of it. I went into this expecting to see that badass personality but as soon as it seemed like there would be some conflict it just skipped straight past it and never showed Biddy or anyone else actually resolving anything. I think the main reason for this was that it's only 128 pages. Because of that there's very little plot development and I didn't get to feel any connection to any of the characters so I definitely think this could've done with at least another 100 pages. I liked the art style. The inclusion of real historical facts about Biddy and things about witchcraft blended well at times but sometimes it just took away from what little plot was already there. Overall this was okay but not quite what I was expecting.

3.5 stars

Lindsay is a young girl who becomes intrigued by Biddy Early, the local healer. Lindsay admires Biddy and wants to learn her ways, but is discouraged by family, because Biddy is a "witch." This is the basic premise of the fictional story - but - Biddy Early was a real person and first person in recorded history to be labeled a witch. Through this story, the reader learns about plants and teas that healers used to help the sick. We also learn about the history of witchcraft and how people used religion and fear to punish women who were deemed unacceptable in some way. A short history lesson wrapped in an easy to digest simple tale.

A quick read with beautiful illustrations perfect for October. It was informative but I expected more history of a specific witch and got a mix between witchy info and a fictional relationship. This graphic novel sadly didn’t align with my expectations and it left much to be desired.

Historically inaccurate and would have been better presented as a fictionalized account of Biddy Early rather than a history of witchcraft.
That said, the illustrations are gorgeous and worth a look.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the free copy of Witchcraft: A Graphic History!

This graphic novel is a dramatization of the life of Biddy Early, the first recorded witch, and a self-insert apprentice based on the author, a practicing witch. The graphic novel was provided for free on NetGalley without the need of an application and is set in a mystical 19th century Ireland, shown in gorgeous illustrations.

This book is not for someone who doesn’t believe in witchcraft; you will not enjoy it. I also think that a few things could be corrected - “Judeo-Christian” is hardly a Jewish-approved term, and there are some formatting errors (one page was randomly sideways, and text boxes were not always behind their text). I feel like Wiccans/Neo-Pagans might enjoy this, and the art is nice.

TL;DR: A beautifully illustrated journey through witchcraft history, Witchcraft: A Graphic History is an empowering and enchanting read. Five stars!

Witchcraft: A Graphic History by Lindsay Squire is a captivating exploration of magic and healing through the eyes of a curious 19th-century lady. The storytelling is rich, and the artwork is stunning, bringing to life the enchanting world of Biddy Early, the famous wise woman of County Clare.

Squire seamlessly blends history with the art of witchcraft, showcasing the diverse practices of witches and the stigma they faced. The themes of self-empowerment and feminism resonate throughout, making this not just a book about witchcraft, but a celebration of resilience and eco-spirituality. I loved learning about plant magic and the traditions that have shaped this fascinating subject.

This graphic history is not only informative but also incredibly engaging, allowing readers to connect deeply with the material. It’s a perfect blend of art and knowledge that will appeal to both history buffs and those interested in the magical arts. Highly recommend this enchanting read! Five stars!

The title I think is a bit misleading. I would have expected an overview of the history of witchcraft in graphic novel format; instead I read a somewhat rushed version of Biddy Early's story. Virtually nothing of the trial is shown, and we barely see the villagers' reaction to it.
The short informative parts about magic are interesting to get a basic smattering, and the style is very nice.
Otherwise, I might have preferred a small manual with lots of graphic parts, because the opportunity seems a bit wasted.