Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.

By A Bad Witch's Blog
Contributor profile | More stories

Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Book Review: Of Toads & Hares - Witches & Wisewomen

Thursday, August 27, 2026 3:49

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

I was very lucky to see an early copy of Of Toads and Hares: The Witches and Wisewomen of England, published by The History Press. It’s a superb collection of English folktales concerning witches, meticulously researched by Ben Stimpson as part of his ‘Wise Ones Series’ of books.

Of Toads and Hares follows on from Of Doves and Ravens which focused on Wales. The book is an enchanting read, which can be dipped into for pleasure or study. I thoroughly recommended it to anyone interested in folklore and historic depictions of women and witchcraft.

Witches, according to a plethora of folktales, were shape-changers. An old and probably ugly woman with magical powers would take the form of a hare, cat or sometimes a toad to spy on neighbours. A man hunted or otherwise injured the animal, and the witch’s powers were outed when she was seen to have an identical wound. Her fate was determined by the same man or an angry mob because, of course, witches were usually depicted as malefic. They stole or curdled the milk, played tricks on people, sometimes caused illness or even death.

These were scary tales to entertain and thrill, and this collection accurately represents that – warts and all. Yet Of Toads and Hares also offers some positive accounts of wise women from the past. All of these stories can still entertain today and I really enjoyed discovering some rare examples from all over the country. I hope at least some modern readers would, perhaps, also wish they could tap into the old magic and shape-change into a hare.

You can view Of Hares and Toads on Amazon. It is officially released on September 10, 2026, but can be pre-ordered.

Please note I earn commission from some links

To read more posts like this visit A Bad Witch’s Blog at www.badwitch.co.uk

Source: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/08/book-review-of-toads-hares-witches.html

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

LION'S MANE PRODUCT

Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules

Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.

Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.

Comments

Visits:	1,830,251,160
Stories:	8,694,375