Publisher's Synopsis
""The Witch of the Westcot"" is a narrative poem by Andrew Shiels, originally published in 1831. The story is set in Nova Scotia and is divided into three cantos. The poem tells the tale of a witch named Elspie, who lives in a remote and secluded cottage in the forest. The villagers fear and shun her, believing her to be a malevolent force. However, a young man named William becomes fascinated with Elspie and seeks to learn more about her. As he spends time with her, he discovers that she is not the evil creature that the villagers have made her out to be. Instead, she is a wise and benevolent figure who possesses supernatural powers. The poem explores themes of prejudice, superstition, and the fear of the unknown. It also touches on the power of knowledge and the importance of understanding different perspectives. Shiels' writing is rich and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the Nova Scotia landscape and the characters who inhabit it. ""The Witch of the Westcot"" is a classic piece of Canadian literature and a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, folklore, or the history of Nova Scotia.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
