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Book Reviews of The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft

The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft
The Triumph of the Moon A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft
Author: Ronald Hutton
ISBN-13: 9780198207443
ISBN-10: 0198207441
Publication Date: 1/20/2000
Pages: 486
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 2

4.3 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

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reviewed The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft on + 7 more book reviews
If you're looking for some light reading, this is not the book for you; but if you want a well-researched, thoroughly cited, accessible academic work on the history of modern witchcraft, you can't do better than this. Ronald Hutton approaches the subject with an open mind but a critical eye on the evidence, and I'm very impressed with how he manages to debunk some fantasies and half-truths while maintaining a respectful attitude toward the subject. He never takes on the condescending tone of a hostile skeptic and doesn't dismiss the legitimacy of Wicca as a modern religion even as he offers evidence against some of the romantic notions of its history. I bought this book because I'm a Pagan myself, but I also have a skeptical mind, and I wanted to know the real history of my religion. I do not feel disillusioned after reading this book, though some Pagans might. Every religion was young once, and we don't need a fanciful history dating back centuries to legitimize our beliefs as Pagans and Witches. This book is dense with details, not all of which may interest everyone, but if you're interested in an objective history of modern Paganism and Wicca, you should at least skim this book. I'm happy I read it.