Double, Double, Toil and Trouble: a Halloween Reading List for Shakespeare Lovers

The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and the smell of pumpkin spice fills the air—Autumn is here and it’s time to embrace all things spooky, macabre and mysterious! 

The nights grow longer, and the chill in the air is a gentle reminder that All Hallows Eve is drawing near. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate, a cosy blanket, and a spine-tingling read. 

For fans of Shakespeare, you know the Bard was no stranger to the world of ghosts, witches, and spirits—fantastical elements are woven magically into the fabric of his stories. This Halloween season, we’ve conjured up a reading list that delves into the eerie world of witches, ghosts, and magic, from tales of cunning folk and occult magic to chilling literary adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays. 

This Autumn, let Shakespeare's spirit world and the enchantment of these stories transport you to a realm where "the dead may walk again" (Antony and Cleopatra, Act 5, Scene 2). 

DK’s books never fail to impress, and The History of Magic Witchcraft & The Occult is no exception. Take a deep dive into a hidden world and discover the history, practices, and traditions of witches and occult practitioners with this comprehensive guide to magic and witchcraft. 

The Book of Witches by Jonathan Strahan is a treasure trove of captivating short stories featuring powerful women with extraordinary powers. Each tale weaves a web of magic and mystery, making it perfect for Halloween. 

From druids and witchcraft to dragons and King Arthur, The Book of English Magic by Philip Carr-Gomm & Richard Heygate explores English magical traditions and their place in the country's history and culture. It invites you to explore the lives of enigmatic figures like Dr. John Dee and Alistair Crowley, delve into legends of Merlin and King Arthur, and uncover practices such as Wicca, alchemy, and cunning folk. Brimming with engaging stories, first-person accounts, and hands-on activities, this accessible and immersive exploration of magic's rich history is designed to include you, igniting your curiosity and deepening your understanding of this spellbinding realm. 

Journey back to 17th century England and discover the lives of cunning folk—professional practitioners of folk medicine, magic, and divination. You’ll find echoes of Shakespearean witchcraft and wizardry in Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic by Tabitha Strathmore. 

The Witch by Ronald Hutton: Hutton brings his extensive knowledge of folklore and paganism to bear in this comprehensive history of witchcraft and its impact on society throughout the centuries. This global exploration delves into the lives of male and female witches, blending myth with reality. Discover the historical figures behind modern portrayals and their enduring influence on our perception of witches. Hutton's in-depth analysis offers invaluable insights into the complex relationship between fear and the definition of witches throughout history. It is a must-read for those intrigued by the enchanting and often misunderstood world of witches. 

Manga Shakespeare: The Tempest by Paul Duffield. A fun, visually stunning adaptation of Shakespeare's classic tale of magic, spirits, and a mysterious island. Dive into Shakespeare's captivating tale, "The Tempest," set on a sprawling island of magic and mystery. Experience the power of love, revenge, and redemption as the enchanting narrative unfolds, culminating in a heartwarming act of empathy. This timeless classic is the perfect autumn read, leaving you eager to explore more Shakespearean treasures. 

Jon Kaneko-James takes us on a fascinating exploration of the Bard’s fascination with the supernatural and the historical context of his works, all through a series of essays on ghosts, witches, and fairies in This Isle is Full of Monsters: Shakespeare's Audiences and the Supernatural. 

The Ghost Theatre by Mat Osman is a gripping tale of a 19th-century seaside town plagued by ghostly apparitions and the mysterious theatre at the heart of it all. Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing tale set in London, as I have never read it before. From the moment you turn the first page, Osman's evocative writing transports you to the city's heart, enveloping you in the sights, sounds, and smells of the characters' experiences. As you navigate the intricate relationships and challenging decisions faced by the complex protagonists, Shay and Nonesuch, you'll find yourself emotionally invested in their journeys. Osman's masterful storytelling weaves a tapestry of love, hate, and everything in between, creating an unforgettable reading experience. 

Unravel twelve thrilling mysteries in Elizabethan London with Peter Tremayne's Made for Murders, a captivating collection of Shakespearean-themed short stories. As the city braces for the end of Queen Elizabeth's reign, Master Hardy Drew, Constable of the Bankside Watch, navigates the seedy underbelly of Southwark to solve chilling crimes amidst cut-throats, smugglers, and gentlefolk alike. This masterfully crafted series showcases Tremayne's skill in blending historical detail and suspenseful storytelling, offering readers an unforgettable journey through a gritty, enthralling world where death lurks around every corner. 

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid is a gothic tale of ambition, betrayal, and dark magic, this retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth gives Lady Macbeth a chilling and poignant voice.  

We hope you find something delightfully spooky on this list to add a dash of mystery and intrigue to your Autumn reading. After all, "There are more things in Heaven and Earth...Than are dreamt of in your philosophy" (Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 5). 

Let your dreams—or perhaps, nightmares—be filled with the enchanting and captivating tales of our world and those found in the darkest corners of our imagination from this reading list.  

Happy Halloween!