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
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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.

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