Gary R. Varner, author of "The Mythic Forest, the Green Man and the Spirit of Nature" and "Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death" has released a new book on the history of witches.

Gary R. Varner, author of six other books on folklore and mythology, including the recent release of Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture, has just released his new book. The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil. This book is an historical and ethnographic study of witchcraft and witches in indigenous cultures around the world, their origin and treatment in society. The book also examines the current "witch craze" that is occurring in Africa and other areas and the thousands of people, mostly elderly and poor, who are killed as witches.

A look at the anti-witchcraft laws throught history is also included as well as a look at certain "magical practices" that continue as pagan survivals in Christianity today as accepted liturgy.

The book is illustrated with many contemporary illustrations as well as photographs of recent archaeological finds.

The book is currently available from Lulu Press in trade paperback and ebook formats and will be available everywhere shortly.

Varner is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.