The Book of Hallowe'en


Read by Sibella Denton

(4.6 stars; 20 reviews)

This book is intended to give the reader an account of the origin and history of Hallowe'en, how it absorbed some customs belonging to other days in the year,—such as May Day, Midsummer, and Christmas. The context is illustrated by selections from ancient and modern poetry and prose, related to Hallowe'en ideas. (Summary by Ruth Kelley, from the Preface). (2 hr 45 min)

Chapters

01 - Preface and Sun-Worship. The Sources of Hallowe'en 4:34 Read by Sibella Denton
02 - The Celts: Their Religion and Festivals 10:14 Read by Sibella Denton
03 - Samhain 6:11 Read by Sibella Denton
04 - Pomona 3:26 Read by Sibella Denton
05 - The Coming of Christianity. All Saints'. All Souls' 5:24 Read by Sibella Denton
06 - Origin and Character of Hallowe'en Omens 1:34 Read by Sibella Denton
07 - Hallowe'en Beliefs and Customs in Ireland 22:38 Read by Sibella Denton
08 - Hallowe'en Beliefs And Customs in Scotland and the Hebrides 20:40 Read by Sibella Denton
09 - Hallowe'en Beliefs and Customs in England and Man 17:22 Read by Sibella Denton
10 - Hallowe'en Beliefs and Customs in Wales 5:35 Read by Sibella Denton
11 - Hallowe'en Beliefs and Customs in Brittany and France 11:28 Read by Sibella Denton
12 - The Teutonic Religion. Witches 17:13 Read by Sibella Denton
13 - Walpurgis Night 5:48 Read by Sibella Denton
14 - More Hallowtide Beliefs and Customs 5:57 Read by Sibella Denton
15 - Hallowe'en in America 21:41 Read by Sibella Denton
16 - "Four Poems" 5:18 Read by Sibella Denton

Reviews


(3.5 stars)

Fascinating although rather muddled and dated (as to be expected) in parts. Full of folkloric customs and references to literature. Reader was good, although pronounciation grated with me at times.

An interesting collection of folklore


(4 stars)

Well read. Wide geographical focus. Does tend to go very American (state by state) at one point, but that's inevitable, and for American listeners, even desirable, I imagine.


(2.5 stars)

the mispronounced Celtic names and placenames really grated . possibly because of the fact I am Irish and can speak the language