Trick or Treat
A deep dive into Halloween's roots — from Celtic Samhain to Catholic saints, medieval superstitions to modern candy, tracing how ancient rituals became America's spookiest tradition.
Reading progress can be saved on this device. Account tools are available if you sign in.
Chapters
16 total- 01Prologue
- 02Chapter One - Before the Pumpkin
- 03Chapter Two - Samhain
- 04Chapter Three - Ghosts, Ghouls, and the Catholic Cleanup
- 05Chapter Four - Witches and Scarecrows
- 06Chapter Five - Monsters of the Mind
- 07Chapter Six - The Mask and the Mischief
- 08Chapter Seven - Candy Is the Devil
- 09Chapter Eight - Black Cats, Full Moons, and Friday the 13th
- 10Chapter Nine - Haunted Houses and Hayrides
- 11Chapter Ten - Halloween Goes to Hollywood
- 12Chapter Eleven - The Party and the Parade
- 13Chapter Twelve - Pumpkins, Jack-o’-Lanterns, and the Fire Within
- 14Chapter Thirteen - Halloween Around the World
- 15Chapter Fourteen - The Spirit Lives On
- 16Chapter Fifteen - The Year is Dying
Edition notes and short pages
Trick or Treat
Trick or Treat
A Spooky Little Halloween History
by James Johnson
Dedication
To the kids who ran through the dark without fear,
the adults who still wear costumes,
and the spirits we never stopped inviting home.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
THANKS TO EVERY bonfire, fog machine, porch light, ghost story, and late October breeze that helped shape this book.
To the readers who still believe in masks, magic, and memory — you’re the reason Halloween lives on.
And to the dead:
Thanks for playing along.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JAMES JOHNSON IS the author of over 175 books exploring culture, power, myth, and memory. His writing blends sharp insight with storytelling flair, often hiding big ideas in unexpected costumes.
When he’s not haunting the page, he’s probably chasing a new idea, designing the next cover, or howling under the moon.
Find more of his work — free or otherwise — at jjarchives.com
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 JAMES JOHNSON. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise — without prior written permission from the author, except for brief quotations used in reviews or academic commentary.
This book is a creative nonfiction work. While based on historical research, cultural facts, and folklore, it is written in an interpretive and narrative style for entertainment and educational purposes. Where appropriate, humor, metaphor, or tone may be used to enhance readability.
All opinions are those of the author. All spirits are welcome, but not guaranteed.