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A review by lucy_can_in_fact_read
Aradia: Gospel of the Witches by Charles Godfrey Leland
informative
medium-paced
3.75
I think what you get out of this book depends on your expectations of it before you pick it up. As a piece of history, a good few of this collection’s poems and stories are interesting to read. However, due to some of the more problematic aspects of the writing (see content warning below), if you picked this book up as an enjoyable read you will likely be disappointed.
There is also the fact that the authenticity of the text has always been questioned, as to whether these stories were really provided by Maddelena or simply made up by Leland. Furthermore, even if Maddelena provided this collection, whether it actually represents Italian goddess religion as a whole or simply her own families traditions. If the latter of which is true, I feel there is still value in the tales she has reportedly conveyed.
Despite all this, overall I enjoyed some of these stories immensely and have learnt more about Italian Witchcraft and it’s goddesses than before, despite not being a fan of its allusions to more concerning subjects. Knowing that this collection has had a major impact on Neo Paganism and Witchcraft, I feel it is still worth a read.
There is also the fact that the authenticity of the text has always been questioned, as to whether these stories were really provided by Maddelena or simply made up by Leland. Furthermore, even if Maddelena provided this collection, whether it actually represents Italian goddess religion as a whole or simply her own families traditions. If the latter of which is true, I feel there is still value in the tales she has reportedly conveyed.
Despite all this, overall I enjoyed some of these stories immensely and have learnt more about Italian Witchcraft and it’s goddesses than before, despite not being a fan of its allusions to more concerning subjects. Knowing that this collection has had a major impact on Neo Paganism and Witchcraft, I feel it is still worth a read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest and Rape
Minor: Antisemitism