Witches & Warlocks is a collection of some of the best black magic stories of all time. From as early as 1945, "The Traveler," to "The Party Animal" of 1989, this book spans six decades to bring you the most exciting and bone-chilling reading on the subject. You will find the work of the classic authors, such as Ray Bradbury, H.G. Wells, Tanith Lee and Robert Louis Stevenson, alongside some relatively unknown, and even anonymous, authors. But each of the 41 stories can stand on its own merits as an outstanding black magic tale.

In the introduction, editor Marvin Kaye explains that black magic is about power. He gives a brief look at the typical practitioners through the ages and how their roles have changed. He sets the stage and tone for the stories that follow. Appendix I gives a more detailed look at the history of witchcraft and how it evolved from the "old religion" into forms that include Satanism. Appendix II has notes on the stories and their authors. Appendix III is a list of suggested reading materials and films. I was pleasantly surprised to find some books included about Merlyn and the days of King Arthur. This made me believe that Kaye had been careful to include representatives of all the historical eras and types of magic or witchcraft.

As for the stories, there is not a bad or slow one in the bunch. Each is fabulous. They do run the entire range of the subject of witchcraft and magic and represent many types of witches and sorcerers. By the time you have finished the 41 stories, you will have experienced pretty much every emotion known to mankind.

I particularly enjoyed the Celtic story of the horned women. While her family slept, a rich woman was up preparing wool. One at a time, 12 witches came to her door. The first had one horn on her head. The last had 12 horns. They entered and started working the wool, but the woman feared for her life and was trying to figure out how to summon help. The witches demanded she make a cake and she went to the well for water. The well spirit told her how to make the witches leave and to save her family from their spells. She followed the advice and her family and home were saved. This story reflects some of the common Celtic folklore about witches, their spells, and how to protect yourself from them. It is the tight, concise, classic folktale.

If you enjoy tales of witchcraft and sorcery, get this book and plan to spend several hours reading. It provides a wonderful break from the rigors of everyday life and carries into the world of magic. It is a solid reference for storytelling developing programs because it includes so much classic folklore and age-old beliefs. You will not be disappointed.