Witchcraft

By Malcolm Gaskill,

Book cover of Witchcraft: A Very Short Introduction

Book description

Witchcraft is a subject that fascinates us all, and everyone knows what a witch is - or do they? From childhood most of us develop a sense of the mysterious, malign person, usually an old woman. Historically, too, we recognize witch-hunting as a feature of pre-modern societies. But why do…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Witchcraft as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I have read dozens of books on this subject and this is by far the best succinct overview I have come across. The author has written extensively on English witchcraft and knows the broader field inside out. It is truly amazing how much he is able to cover (clearly and vividly) in such a short space, from historic origins up to the present day. There is also a very helpful bibliography so readers can pursue certain topics in more depth.

From Joel's list on the European witch craze.

A concise, reliable, and well-written introduction to ideas about witchcraft and the history of the persecution across the world and into modernity. It is everything the title says – a very short introduction, and ranges from the Americas, and the famous trials of Salem, to other continents. Europe´s witchcraze is framed in a global perspective.

From Ulinka's list on Witchcraze.

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