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A minor witch book is a type of literature that features witches as the central characters or focuses on witchcraft and magical practices. Unlike major witch books, which are typically longer and more in-depth, minor witch books are usually shorter and aimed at a younger audience. These books often explore themes of fantasy, adventure, and the supernatural, inviting readers into a world of spells, potions, and witchy folklore. They may involve young witches-in-training or witches navigating their magical powers in a contemporary setting. Minor witch books usually have a lighter tone compared to more serious or intense witch novels. They can be whimsical, humorous, or heartwarming, blending magic with everyday life.

‘When we workshopped a short version of Macbeth in British Sign Language, I asked: “What's ‘Macbeth’ in BSL?” Interestingly, it is the same as the sign for ‘Scotland’. So even though the superstition isn't transmitted orally to Deaf actors, the title is censored in the language itself – the Deaf actors I know have used the term ‘The Scottish Play’ rather than Macbeth.’

In fact, the first record we have of Macbeth being performed comes from the journal of astrologer Simon Forman, who notes that he saw it in 1611 Sherman, 2015. In 1937, Laurence Olivier s production of Macbeth was thwarted by disaster theatre manager Lilian Baylis died during dress rehearsals; the director and the actor playing Lady Macbeth were caught up in a car accident; and a falling weight narrowly missed crash-landing on Olivier.

They can be whimsical, humorous, or heartwarming, blending magic with everyday life. Many of these books also address issues of friendship, identity, and personal growth, offering young readers relatable and empowering narratives. While minor witch books may not have the same complexity or depth as major witch novels, they still provide an enchanting reading experience.

Is the word 'Macbeth' really cursed?

Thespians are a seriously superstitious bunch. Most know not to say good luck to an actor but there is So Much More: never leave the stage completely dark; never whistle in the theatre; never use a peacock feather on stage; never knit in the wings; and don’t even think about walking out of the dressing room right foot first. Perhaps the most notorious superstition surrounds the word “Macbeth”, which should not – except during a live performance – be uttered inside the theatre. In fact, the superstition is so deeply embedded that there is no sign for the word “Macbeth” in British Sign Language. To get round this “deadly” issue, actors refer to Macbeth as “The Scottish Play” or “The Bard’s Play”.

But is there any basis to this long-standing superstition? When Macbeth premiered circa 1606, King James I was on the English throne – and James was not a fan of witches. The execution of James’s mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, was said to have inspired a long-lasting obsession with the dark arts, one compounded after the king was caught in a brutal storm at sea when he was king of Scotland. Convinced that witches were to blame, James ordered a witch-hunt on his return home and swiftly wrote a book, Daemonologie, where he outlined his plans to root out witchcraft for good.

So when William Shakespeare staged a new play that saw three “weird sisters” recite some decidedly convincing spells, the public got scared. Rumours circulated that a coven of witches had put a curse on the play. Historians would later insist that the actor scheduled to play Lady Macbeth died suddenly before opening night. This turned out to be a myth conjured up by the 19th and 20th-century cartoonist and critic Max Beerbohm – but the dramatic die had already been cast.

Even the toughest cynics must concede there have been a number of Macbeth-related mishaps over the years. In 1672, an actor playing Macbeth in Amsterdam committed a real murder on stage. In 1721 and 1722, riots broke out during runs of the play in London. And in 1849, a rivalry between the English actor-manager William Macready and American actor Edwin Forrest turned deadly when fans of Forrest stormed Macready’s production. Still not convinced? In 1937, Laurence Olivier’s production of Macbeth was thwarted by disaster: theatre manager Lilian Baylis died during dress rehearsals; the director and the actor playing Lady Macbeth were caught up in a car accident; and a falling weight narrowly missed crash-landing on Olivier.

Of course, there are some far more practical reasons behind the superstition. Legend goes that if an actor hears the word “Macbeth” uttered in the theatre it’s because, being a big money-spinner, it is being touted as a replacement for their own failing play. Shakespeare’s tragedy is also packed with accident-prone action, including six murders, portentous storms and an entire forest upping sticks and traipsing across the stage. It’s no wonder a little blood (fake or otherwise) has been spilt throughout its 400-year performance history.

But best not risk it, eh? Thankfully, an antidote is on hand. If you do utter that fateful word, all you need to do is exit the theatre, spin round three times, spit, curse and ask to be let back in. Simple!

These books can captivate the imagination, spark curiosity about the supernatural, and encourage young readers to embrace their own uniqueness and individuality. Overall, minor witch books offer a delightful exploration of magic and witchcraft for young readers, allowing them to immerse themselves in mystical adventures and discover the wonder and power that can come from embracing their own magical potential..

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jerome alexander canada