2004-02-08 The best book on witchcraft.

This is probably one of the best books on witchcraft there is. Every serious practitioner should have this book on their shelves. Doreen Valiente is not only an excellent Author, she is the grandmother of modern witchcraft. She details the history of witchcraft and delves into over-looked subjects such as Old George Pickingill and his alledged nine covens, Aleister Crowley's supposed influence on the founding of Gardnerian witchcraft and compares practices with very similar eastern teachings. Throughout the book are informative chapters such as 'magical alphabets' and 'witches attire' along with illustrations and photographs. The second part of the book is a slightly simplified Gardnerian book of shadows designed not only for covens, but solitary witches aswell. Doreen's ABC of witchcraft is also a must.