This was a vibe! A little dense, perhaps not for the amateur with historical scholarly writing. But also not completely inaccessible. A great overview of the European concept of witches and their place in society.

I really enjoyed getting to learn about these witches in literature, it was a engaging read and was everything that I wanted from the first page. It had that research that I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. Alexis Prescott has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.

In the classical world, women of power were often associated with magic, witchcraft, and sorcery.

*Hecate*
Hecate is a complex goddess with multifaceted roles, including magic, witchcraft, and sorcery. She's often depicted as a triple goddess, representing the phases of the moon. Her domains include:
- *Magic and Sorcery*: Hecate is revered for her power to grant magical abilities and knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants.
- *Crossroads and Boundaries*: As a guardian, Hecate watches over transitions and thresholds.

*Medea*
Medea, a priestess of Hecate, is a legendary sorceress in Greek mythology. Her story is intertwined with Jason and the Argonauts, where she uses her magical powers to aid Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. Medea's abilities include:
- *Magical Potions and Spells*: Medea can brew potions, cast spells, and summon supernatural forces.
- *Rejuvenation and Transformation*: She restores Jason's father's youth.
- *Cunning and Intelligence*

Other figures:
- *Circe*: A powerful sorceress in Greek mythology, Circe was known for her ability to transform men into animals. She appeared in Homer's Odyssey, showcasing her magical powers and complex character.
- *Baba Yaga*: A prominent figure in Slavic folklore, often depicted as a witch or sorceress. She is known for her association with forests, her ability to fly in a mortar and wield a pestle, and for living in a hut on chicken legs.
- The Witches of Thessaly, in particular, Erichtho
- Canidia of Rome
- The Witch of Endor from the Hebrew Bible
- Gagool from King Solomon's Mines
- Pamphile from The Golden Ass

In ancient civilisations, witches were often revered for their abilities to:
- Heal: Knowledge of herbs and potions that could cure ailments.
- Predict the Future: Divination
- Communication with the Spiritual Realm: Witches were seen as intermediaries between the moral world and the spiritual realm.

However, as Christianity spread across Europe, witches were increasingly viewed with suspicion and fear, as they were accused of consorting with the devil. They faced social stigma. Witch hunts and trials often relied on dubious evidence and coerced confessions.

This book traces the evolution of the witch archetype in Classical literature, from the divine figures of Hecate and Circe in Greek texts to the demonized witches of Roman literature. It explores how these literary representations shaped the Western conception of witchcraft, influencing folklore, horror, and popular culture to this day.

This book does a great job of showing how the ancient concept of female power was twisted into a malign influence by the patriarchal Roman Empire. The main focus is on literary portrayals rather than on the persecution of real people. The book is engaging, informative, and easy to read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Absolutely wonderful and informative read, I’m always interested in the burning (and persecution ) of women (and men) for being educated, free spoken or intelligent and not going with the majority, I loved this and I’m really glad I got to read this

I was expecting a detailed look at witches of history, but this short book read much more like an academic paper than a solid non-fiction book. There's a lot of information here, but I couldn't get into it as a casual read. Maybe for a research project. The cover is definitely beautiful.

Thank yo to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book! The concept of something typically thought of as "fantasy" connected to the world of old and the world of today! Love the historical aspect of it and the insight of how, in many ways, things have not changed in regards to how women are viewed. Even as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome.... Highly recommended!

*First Witches* is a fascinating, accessible, and thoroughly engaging exploration of powerful women in ancient mythology and literature—and how they became the blueprint for the Western concept of the “witch.” Alexis Hannah Prescott takes readers on a journey through the classical world, spotlighting figures from epic poetry and ancient texts who challenged patriarchal norms and paid the price through vilification and myth-making.

What makes this book such a compelling read is its clarity. Prescott writes in a way that is intelligent but never alienating, managing to explain complex ideas without overloading the reader. Even if you’ve never picked up *The Odyssey*, you'll find the stories of Circe, Medea, and others both digestible and eye-opening. While I recognized a few of the figures featured, many were new to me—and each one was introduced with sharp insight and care.

The book’s structure is another of its strengths. It’s easy to follow and well-organized, which makes it perfect for dipping in and out or reading straight through. By the end, I found myself inspired to return to epic poetry and explore the ancient texts Prescott references—her enthusiasm is genuinely infectious.

One of the most powerful elements of *First Witches* is how it shines a light on the way classical literature has been used to minimize women. Prescott draws a clear and thought-provoking line between ancient misogyny and modern ideas of femininity and fear. The portrayal of witches, she argues, often stems from a male-dominated need to control and suppress female autonomy—something that still echoes in modern representations today.

Well-researched and packed with information, this book never feels dry. Instead, it’s a dynamic and important read that blends scholarship with storytelling in the best way. Whether you're a classics enthusiast or simply fascinated by the idea of witches in history, *First Witches* is a must-read. It’s the kind of book that stays with you—and makes you look at ancient stories, and our own society, a little differently.

4.5 stars

The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World by Alexis Hannah Prescott is a fascinating and insightful exploration of the origins of the Western witch, the development of the witch archetype and its legacy.

Prescott considers powerful women from Classical literature beginning with the divine figures of Hekate and Circe as depicted in Ancient Greek literature and then traces the gradual metamorphosis of these figures into shadowy, antagonistic, demonised symbols of horror, providing thoughtful analysis of the depiction of 'witches' in classical Roman literature. In addition to evaluating the textual evidence, of which there is a wide array, Prescott also examines the historical and social contexts which contributed to these negative depictions and demonstrates the enduring impact these have had on the Western world.

Written in a concise and engaging manner and obviously very well researched (the footnotes, appendices and the extensive list of primary and secondary sources are fantastic), the book is very immersive and readable. Having read and studied many of the works the author uses as examples throughout, I didn’t learn as much as I hoped I would, however, I still enjoyed the book and am so happy to see this particular subject area being explored more.

I would recommend this book to someone delving into Classical literature for the first time, to readers who have a keen interest in history, mythology and folklore as well as to students who are studying classical works such as The Odyssey, Medea or even the more modern feminist retellings of the Greek myths in order to enhance their learning.

4.25🌟 rounded down

The First Witches: Women of Power in the Classical World explores how powerful female figures from ancient Greek and Roman literature helped shape the enduring image of the Western witch. Focusing on divine figures like Hecate and Circe as well as terrifying Roman characters such as the Thessalian witches and Erictho, the book traces how these women evolved from goddesses and enchantresses into demonized figures reflecting societal fears. It also examines the origins of the grotesque hag-witch trope that persists in folklore and popular culture, showing how classical texts laid the foundation for centuries of witch imagery.

This nonfiction book was fascinating, but a little dry and heavy. It's a shorter book but packs a lot of information into those pages. I learned quite a bit.

Recommended for lovers of classical history & those fascinated by witchcraft and mythology.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the ARC.

Alexis Prescott’s The First Witches is an illuminating and engaging deep-dive into the origins of one of the most enduring archetypes in Western culture: the witch. Far from being a mere historical catalog, this book offers a rich, literary and cultural exploration of how ancient portrayals of divine and magical women evolved into the monstrous figures that still haunt modern imaginations.

Prescott leads the reader through the Classical canon, beginning with the beguiling Circe and shadowy Hecate in early Greek literature, before tracing their transformation through Roman texts into increasingly demonized figures. These women, once portrayed as goddesses or magical figures associated with wisdom, nature, and power, gradually became symbolic of fear, transgression, and otherness—elements that would fuel the witch stereotypes of the medieval and early modern worlds.

The book is particularly strong in its analysis of literary texts, with careful attention to how historical context shaped changing perceptions of female power. Prescott connects myth to politics with a deft hand, showing how late Republican and Imperial Roman anxieties—especially around civil strife, gender roles, and morality—fed the evolution of the witch figure. The grotesque hag-witch of Roman literature, exemplified by the terrifying Erictho and the Thessalian necromancers, emerges as a prototype for the witches of fairy tales, Gothic horror, and modern media.

One of the book’s greatest achievements is its accessibility. Prescott writes with clarity and enthusiasm, offering both academic insight and narrative flair. Readers without a background in Classics will find the material approachable, while scholars will appreciate the depth of analysis and the careful sourcing.

Ultimately, The First Witches is more than a study of mythological figures—it’s a meditation on how societies react to female power, especially when it challenges established norms. In tracing the arc from divine enchantress to malevolent crone, Prescott uncovers the roots of cultural fears that still shape gendered narratives today.

Verdict:
A captivating and thoughtful study, The First Witches reveals how ancient literature birthed the witch as we know her—dangerous, powerful, and unforgettable. A must-read for anyone interested in mythology, gender studies, or the dark side of cultural memory.

A fascinating overview of notable witches from antiquity. The author offers some nice insight to the history of witches and how our view of them has developed throughout history. It’s short and to the point, almost too short for me at times. That said, there’s an extensive section of footnotes and reference material to help readers get started in delving deeper into the information. The appendix was a nice addition, too. I’d recommend it as a companion read to books like Madeline Miller’s Circe. It also works as a good starting point for anyone who’s just getting into the study of historical witchcraft.

I received an ARC through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The First Witches highlights fascinating details about early accounts of witches in Greek and Roman literature and society and beyond. The activities of witches presented in these sources were among my favorite aspects of the book. The author also presented excerpts from actual laws pertaining to activities associated with witches during this era. The material is well organized in chapters on major figures, Circe, Hecate, and Medea, as well as less familiar figures.

Many illustrations, including photos of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and book illustrations reinforce the text. There are a few I hadn't seen before. The appendices expand on the depictions of witches, and the book contains footnotes and an index.
The author discusses misogyny in many witch depictions, such as Circe revealing male attitudes toward female power and sexuality. She also credits Ovid with including women amid the male-dominated mythology of the time.
I enjoyed the inclusion of Baba Yaga, ‘a forgotten Victorian Witch,' The Wizard of Oz, and mentions of feminist retellings that counter patriarchal distortions of powerful women.

To me, a stilted writing style works against what could be an enthralling narrative. Fortunately, this book is rich in wonderful quoted material.
The First Witches stands as a worthwhile examination of early, influential witch and deity characterizations, their transformations, and social forces that affect Western representations of female power. The excellent cover, extensive research, and appealing premise will no doubt please readers interested in witches in Western culture.

I recommend it for readers interested in witches, mythology, the Classical era, history, gender studies, and literature. Horror readers will find early instances of extreme, disturbing scenes that continue to arouse fear. Writers and anyone intrigued by archetypes, poison, potions, and Emperor/state tactics against women will find an abundance of provocative imagery and signs of resistance.

My thanks to Pen & Sword for the e-ARC for consideration. These opinions are solely my own.
I'll add the TikTok link.

This book was such a cool book to read! I really loved the way the author explored and took the reader through history exploring the evolution of witches as they are portrayed throughout literature. I really liked the way the author brought in not only the portrayals of the characters themselves, but also the way that the political landscape at the time influence those portayals and depictions.
While a short book, this was so engaging, and I basically sped through it finding new things and changing my own views and understanding of how culture was shaped and how it impacted Western literature and culture.

I highly highly highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in culture, history, classical history, or witchcraft in general.

Thanks again to Netgalley, Alexis Prescott, and Pen & Sword for this ARC! 4.5/5

Witchcraft is a topic that has fascinated me for a long time. So much of the media around witches focuses on witches from Medieval times. This book is a brilliant introduction to ancient witches. A captivating and well-researched book rooted in ancient sources, combined with references to modern pop-culture.

This book was very informative and you can tell that the proper research was completed in order to put together this book.

Really fantastic to see a book about witches that focuses on classics - though citation heavy (which is not necessarily a bad thing), this was still digestible and not just a history of witches, but an investigation into what *makes* them witches. Prescott has a wonderful writing style, balanced well between storytelling and academic tone.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

This book was such an interesting read! We rarely encounter a non-fiction solely based on this topic. It has a lot of information that will give the reader more context on famous witches from classic literature.

There were witches from different references - Roman, Greek and many more. This shows diversity of the craft and I really enjoyed the comparison among them. I must say, this is a good reference itself or a guide.

A scholarly work on the oldest literary figures of witches in history, this book covers how witches were portrayed through time from ancient Greece and in the Roman Empie. Using the literature from the time period, she explains how witches were portrayed and how that portrayal changed between Greece and the Roman Empire.

Although I knew from the title that this was a book about early witches, I did not realize just how far back in history the portrayal of witches went. This book is not a light read. In some ways, it reads more like a dissertation than a book for regular readers. That being said, it is informative and uses not just one work of literature or poetry to prove her point, but as many as she can. I believe this would be an excellent book for recommended reading for classes on Greek and Roman literature, or one on views of women in that time period.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

A particularly interesting topic is what drew me to this ARC - I was hoping for a lengthy and detailed examination of all of the classical forms of witches, from religious to folklore, and everything else in between. I do think that this book was a bit short, and there could have been inclusion of a few more 'fleshed out' witches and topics. There were definitely a few gaps in the narrative, and while there was some good context, there was probably a bit more of the concept of witchcraft that I might have anticipated, as well as the eventual reaction to them in society.

It was meticulously researched, however, and it was apparent that the author had more than done her research into the topics. I was heartened to see references to modern interpretations and representations of some of the witches, and I very much enjoyed picking through the notes at the end to find more information on all of the topics covered.

I think this was a really interesting dive into the early days of witches and witchcraft, and while there were a few components missing, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Looking forward to seeing more from this author in future on historical topics!