Witchcraft. The Library of Esoterica

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Witchcraft offers a deep dive into the many facets of a centuries-old tradition in the Western world."-- "cnn.com" The Library of Esoterica by Taschen explores how centuries of artists have given form to mysticism, translating the arcane and the obscure into enduring, visionary works of art. Each subject is showcased through both modern and archival imagery culled from private collectors, libraries, and museums around the globe. The result forms an inclusive visual history, a study of our primal pull to dream and nightmare, and the creative ways we strive to connect to the divine. No real interest was given to any one subtopic, it contained historical statements which were inaccurate, descriptions of any popular practices were kept vague and vapid.

The Library of Esoterica explores how centuries of artists have given form to mysticism, translating the arcane and the obscure into enduring, visionary works of art. Each subject is showcased through both modern and archival imagery culled from private collectors, libraries, and museums around the globe. The result forms an inclusive visual history, a study of our primal pull to dream and nightmare, and the creative ways we strive to connect to the divine. Books You Might Be Interested In In this compendium of witchy women, from Renaissance paintings to modern Wicca, the caricature of the evil hag is turned upside down."-- "The Guardian" Full of interesting and informative essays that can be dipped in and out of when it takes your fancy covering all aspects of modern witchcraft and explaining the historic roots of the practice all the while being supported by amazing art. image below) Head Of The Medusa by Caravaggio. I was fortunate to see the original piece during my 2013 trip to Florence and it was certainly one of the highlights of my trip. This is a well presented book with a lot of great art used to to illustrate the chapters. Each chapter covers whole areas of witchcraft in belief & practice, in myth and how it is significant in modern culture.This visual chronicle is the first of its kind, a deep dive into the complex symbologies behind witchcraft traditions, explored through the history of art. The witch has played muse to great artists throughout time, from the dark seductions of de Goya and Albrecht Dürer to the elegant paean to the magical feminine as re-imagined by the Surrealist circle of Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, and Leonor Fini. This surveys her many incarnations as she shape-shifts through the centuries: mother, nymph, crone — seductress and destroyer. Profusely illustrated with a wide range of artwork from Victorian era to today. Nudity. Delves into the witch's complex history, symbols, and depictions across time..."-- "hyperallergic.com" A visually vibrant volume that isn't so much a book as it is a spellbinding tribute to a figure and a practice that are as old as time."-- "cnn.com" Each of the essays are gripping and well researched, full of interesting detail and delivered so passionately. image above) The ethereal art work of William Blake. I highly recommend the Divine Comedy art book, also published my Taschen. Read my review for the book here.

Nice overview of the subject with chapters written by various informed scholars and authors. Amazing photos. I’ve given 5 Stars because its fantastic. However, I wish online store would treat products such as this with the appropriate reverence, these book do not arrive in pristine condition which devalues not only the products but those who have spent years creating such master-works. I LOVE the text in ALL these books(Tarot, Astrology and Witches). I don’t want to give 4 stars it is a 5 star book. I LOVE it. Witchcraft offers a deep dive into the many facets of a centuries-old tradition in the Western world. * cnn.com * Top quality printing, on a good weight of paper, excellent bound and full of detailed information. Another great addition to the Taschen Esoterica Library.What makes a witch a witch, and what is witchcraft for? These are among the central questions explored in the lavishly illustrated Witchcraft, the latest release in Taschen’s Library of Esoterica series. Images of witches throughout the ages and in various styles are robustly represented, with visualizations of the coquettish and the stridently sexy appearing alongside hags of old and earth mothers of today. The illustrations are notable for being reproduced at remarkably high quality—which is essential, for often the artists have included key details buried in murky colors and shading. It’s wonderful to be able to notice what’s lurking in dark corners. Beautiful book. Would recommend getting the whole set! The information is good the images are a great source .

By virtue of this intersection with cultural shifts and the long association of the witch archetype and feminism, “Witchcraft” will likely be more political than the first two volumes — which does not mean it will be any less aesthetically striking. Grossman was a consultant on Zoe Lister-Jones’ recent revamp of “ The Craft,” and she is “deeply interested in how cinema, fashion, music and television have helped us to evolve the image of the witch.” She also shares with Hundley a love for fine artists, including Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo, “who use their art practice as a form of magic making.” Initiating readers in the fascinating and complex history of witchcraft, from the goddess mythologies of ancient cultures to the contemporary embrace of the craft by modern artists and activists, this expansive tome conjures up a breathtaking overview of an age-old tradition. Rooted in legend, folklore, and myth, the archetype of the witch has evolved from the tales of Odysseus and Circe, the Celtic seductress Cerridwen, and the myth of Hecate, fierce ruler of the moonlit night. In Witchcraft we survey her many incarnations since, as she shape-shifts through the centuries, alternately transforming into mother, nymph, and crone―seductress and destroyer. Witchcraft The Library of Esoterica PDF Initiating readers in the fascinating and complex history of witchcraft, from the goddess mythologies of ancient cultures to the contemporary embrace of the craft by modern artists and activists, this expansive tome conjures up a breathtaking overview of an age-old tradition. Rooted in legend, folklore, and myth, the archetype of the witch has evolved from the tales of Odysseus and Circe, the Celtic seductress Cerridwen, and the myth of Hecate, fierce ruler of the moonlit night. In Witchcraft we survey her many incarnations since, as she shape-shifts through the centuries, alternately transforming into mother, nymph, and crone―seductress and destroyer.

Jessica Hundley is an author, filmmaker and journalist. She has written for the likes of Vogue, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times, and has authored books on artists including Dennis Hopper, David Lynch, and Gram Parsons. Hundley often explores the counterculture in her work, with a focus on metaphysics, psychedelia, and magic. Delves into the witch's complex history, symbols, and depictions across time... * hyperallergic.com * I bought this book in large part for its beautiful illustrations. It is a gorgeous book, as you would expect from Taschen. What I wasn’t expecting was for it to be so well written, so informative. The essays are thoughtful and well-curated. I absolutely love this book. A tour de force, taking you all the way through the global history of witchcraft. * elitedaily.com *