Toil and Trouble
A Women's History of the Occult
Melanie R Anderson author Lisa Kröger author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Andrews McMeel Publishing
Published:25th Oct '22
Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date
Meet the mystical women and nonbinary people from US history who found strength through the supernatural – and those who are still forging the way today. From the celebrity spirit mediums of the nineteenth century to contemporary activist witches hexing the patriarchy, these icons have long used magic and mysticism to seize the power they're so often denied.
From the Salem witch trials to modern-day WitchTok, discover the remarkable women and nonbinary people who shaped the history of witchcraft, Spiritualism, and the occult and challenged the limits placed on their lives.
In Toil and Trouble: A Women's History of the Occult, Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson uncover the fascinating stories of witches, spirit mediums, psychics, and mystical pioneers who used the supernatural for political gain, fame and fortune, embracing their witchy identities, and more. Meet underappreciated magical pioneers like New Orleans's legendary voodoo queen Marie Laveau; Dion Fortune, who tried to marshal a magical army against Adolf Hitler; Joan Quigley, personal psychic to Nancy Reagan; and modern witch Bri Luna, social media star and serious magical practitioner. Explore the rise of Spiritualism, the history of tarot and fortune-telling, the Satanic Panic, and the changing relationship between women, magic, and society.
Perfect for readers fascinated by women's history, witchcraft, supernatural traditions, and the unconventional people who changed them.
- Discover the stories of remarkable women and nonbinary people whose relationships with the occult helped shape history and culture
- Trace the history of witchcraft from Salem to modern witch culture
- Examine how supernatural beliefs have been used both to restrict women and to create opportunities for political influence, financial independence, community, and self-expression
- This illustrated hardcover is an engaging gift for readers interested in feminism, witches, occult traditions, overlooked historical figures, and the supernatural
Meet the women and nonbinary pioneers behind centuries of magic, mystery, and rebellion, and discover the fascinating history of the occult through the people who helped shape it.
A The Mary Sue Book Club Pick
“A charming book full of fascinating historical figures.”—BoingBoing
“A rich collection of short biographies of women and nonbinary people who were involved with an influence in the occult.”—The Feminist Book Club
“A fascinating and at times infuriating look at the ways in which women have gained power through the occult, been persecuted by it, and forged relationships with one another through it.”—GeekMom
“Anyone who has dabbled in the craft by way of #witchtok will deepen their knowledge immensely by reading this book. And with a final chapter titled “100% That Witch,” you know you’re going to learn a lot and have some fun.”—BookPage
“Does an excellent job of exploring the cultural and racial differences concerning occult practices between women and nonbinary people”—Book Riot
“Reclaims and celebrates forgotten foremothers..enjoyable, re-readable references.”—Horror DNA
“A fun and informative read for anyone with an interest in women’s history, supernatural topics, or anyone who likes witchy romance and wants to go a little deeper into the world of witchy women.”—Smart Bitches Trashy Books
“A thorough and efficient study of those who have come before.”—Chapter 16
ISBN: 9781683692911
Dimensions: 210mm x 140mm x 23mm
Weight: 508g
336 pages