Halloween

The History of America's Darkest Holiday

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Holidays, History, Americas, North America, United States
Cover of the book Halloween by David J. Skal, Dover Publications
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David J. Skal ISBN: 9780486812823
Publisher: Dover Publications Publication: May 16, 2016
Imprint: Dover Publications Language: English
Author: David J. Skal
ISBN: 9780486812823
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication: May 16, 2016
Imprint: Dover Publications
Language: English

Wonderfully well-written, outrageous, and provocative." — Booklist.
"Entertaining … and scholarly … Like a bag of Halloween candy, the book is a lot of fun." — Boston Globe.
"Fans of cultural history will devour each chapter … like a toothsome treat." — Christian Science Monitor.
Acclaimed cultural critic David J. Skal explores one of America's most perplexingly popular holidays in this original mix of personal anecdotes and social analysis. Skal traces Halloween's evolution from its dark Celtic history and quaint, small-scale celebrations to its emergence as mammoth seasonal marketing event.
Skal takes readers on a cross-country survey that covers remarkably divergent perspectives, from the merchants who welcome a money-making opportunity that's second only to Christmas to fundamentalists who decry Halloween a form of blasphemy and practicing witches who embrace it as a holy day. He also profiles individuals who revel in this once-a-year occasion to participate in elaborate fantasies. Their narratives, combined with the author's cultural analysis, offer a revealing look at an intriguing aspect of our national psyche.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Wonderfully well-written, outrageous, and provocative." — Booklist.
"Entertaining … and scholarly … Like a bag of Halloween candy, the book is a lot of fun." — Boston Globe.
"Fans of cultural history will devour each chapter … like a toothsome treat." — Christian Science Monitor.
Acclaimed cultural critic David J. Skal explores one of America's most perplexingly popular holidays in this original mix of personal anecdotes and social analysis. Skal traces Halloween's evolution from its dark Celtic history and quaint, small-scale celebrations to its emergence as mammoth seasonal marketing event.
Skal takes readers on a cross-country survey that covers remarkably divergent perspectives, from the merchants who welcome a money-making opportunity that's second only to Christmas to fundamentalists who decry Halloween a form of blasphemy and practicing witches who embrace it as a holy day. He also profiles individuals who revel in this once-a-year occasion to participate in elaborate fantasies. Their narratives, combined with the author's cultural analysis, offer a revealing look at an intriguing aspect of our national psyche.

More books from Dover Publications

Cover of the book Learning Automata by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Beanie and Tough Enough by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Games and Decisions by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Nonlinear Mechanics by David J. Skal
Cover of the book The Game of Chess by David J. Skal
Cover of the book The Complete Book of Basketry by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by David J. Skal
Cover of the book The Story of Electricity by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Basic Optics and Optical Instruments by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Easy-to-Make Arts and Crafts Lamps and Shades by David J. Skal
Cover of the book The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Applied Matrix Algebra in the Statistical Sciences by David J. Skal
Cover of the book Four Hoboken Stories by David J. Skal
Cover of the book The Subjection of Women by David J. Skal
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy