The Book of Halloween by Ruth Edna Kelley

First published in 1919, this is the earliest book dedicated entirely to Halloween. A treasure of folklore and tradition, it explores how the festival evolved from Celtic Samhain to modern celebrations.

Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain by Ronald Hutton

A cornerstone work on seasonal festivals in Britain. Hutton traces the origins and evolution of Samhain, Halloween, and related customs, separating myth from history with scholarly clarity.

Pagan Britain by Ronald Hutton

A thorough exploration of Britain’s pre-Christian religions, drawing on archaeology, folklore, and historical sources. Hutton examines sacred sites, rituals, and seasonal festivals like Samhain, giving readers a grounded understanding of how ancient peoples marked the turning of the year.

Celtic Gods and Heroes by Marie-Louise Sjoestedt

A compact introduction to Celtic mythology, including the deities and otherworldly beings connected to Samhain. Rich in lore and an ideal gateway to understanding the festival’s deeper spiritual layers.

The Celtic Wheel of the Year: Celtic and Pagan Celebrations of the Seasons by Tess Ward

An accessible guide to celebrating Celtic festivals in the modern day. Ward offers rituals, meditations, and practices for Samhain, connecting ancestral traditions to today’s spiritual seekers.

Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night by Nicholas Rogers

A well-regarded modern history of Halloween. Rogers looks at its roots in Celtic belief, its transformation through Christianity, and its spread into today’s popular culture.