Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon my Darlings! Today’s post is the countdown of my favorite biographies to read for Spooky Season, for those who want a non-fiction read that still gives the feel of the Season of the Witch!
Number 5: Royal Witches: Witchcraft and the Nobility in Fifteenth-Century England by Gemma Hollman
~The number five pick is actually a biography of several royal and noble women who were accused of being witches. It is such an engaging book, and a great introduction for those, who like myself, are endlessly intrigued by the Dark Side of Royalty (in this case accusations of Black Magic)!
Number 4: The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn by Alison Weir
~This book is the one that specifically focuses on the last months of the life of Anne Boleyn. As she is my favorite Queen of all time and also famously had a tragic end of being beheaded, this book was a no-brainer for a Season of the Witch non-fiction read! As a bonus, she is also often accused of having been a witch, that she had bewitched the King into marrying her.
Number 3: Vampira: Dark Goddess of Horror by W. Scott Poole
~This is part biography of Maila Nurmi, who portrayed Vampira, and part cultural biography that looks at the way culture led to the invention and popularity of the character. I think this one is a must-read for anyone who loves the Creepy and Gothic Queens of horror!
Number 2: Yours Cruelly, Elvira by Cassandra Peterson
~I absolutely adore Cassandra Peterson’s autobiography about her life as iconic Horror Hostess Elvira! As someone who has long loved the Mistress of the Dark, I could not wait to read this one, and it did not disappoint. This is a must-read for anyone who loves Elvira in all her campy glory!
Number 1: Vamp: The Rise and Fall of Theda Bara by Eve Golden
~No other book could rank number one on this list, but the biography of the original Screen Vamp, Theda Bara! I have been a fan of silent films since I was young, and have loved Silent Screen Horror forever. Theda Bara is such an incredible icon who built a persona and true cult of personality about herself to help promote her amazing films. I am truly saddened that we do not have more of her films surviving!
~I hope that you have enjoyed my countdown. Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Tarot Note: I have a page offering tarot and oracle readings for those interested in these services! I am very happy to be offering these readings to my treasured readers at White Rose of Avalon! Link to page: https://whiteroseofavalon.life/tarot-and-oracle-readings/