The Book of Hallowe'en

This guide takes listeners on a concise journey through the tangled roots of Halloween, tracing how ancient sun‑worship, harvest rites, and early European festivals merged into the holiday we know today. Illustrated with period images, the narrative weaves scholarly explanations with excerpts of poetry and prose that once lit autumn evenings. It begins by examining the universal reverence for the sun, showing how its seasonal cycles inspired stories and rituals across cultures.

From the Celtic Samhain celebrations to the Christian All‑Saints’ and All‑Souls’ observances, the book maps each tradition’s imprint on modern customs. Readers also find practical suggestions for readings, games, and party ideas, plus a curated list of poems and historical references. By the end of the first half, listeners will have a solid sense of why pumpkins, bonfires, and superstitions feel so familiar yet deeply ancient.