1612: The Lancashire Witch Trials: A New Guide

by Christine Goodier

In a lively and readable style, Christine Goodier provides a who’s who of the events, and an interesting angle on the trials themselves. She emphasizes that the accused were merely flesh and blood, not demons, arguing that they were poor, uneducated people who were at worst misguided. A terrible injustice was done 400 years ago when they were famously convicted of witchcraft and hanged.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2012

Reviews

[Ellee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, informative book for anyone looking to delve deep into the world of the 'Lancashire witches' of 1612. Simplified, shortened information to ease a newcomer in with a good, extensive list of other reading material to further their research.

However, as an ex-A Level History pupil, I did notice that Goodier provided a slightly unbalanced view. From the way she writes, it is pretty clear she has already made up her mind and has written in such a way that it sounds like she's trying to persuade the reader to agree with her, making the book teeter on the edge of an opinion piece rather than an informative piece. I would definitely say open this book with an open mind and don't form an opinion on every aspect of the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612 until you have read other books along with this one.

Personally, I do prefer non-fiction that simply delivers the facts without sounding biased with the author's own opinions, but this is definitely a good place to begin your research so you get a rough idea of what was happening at the time. And what better person to get the basics from than someone who worked as a manager in the very building where the witch trials were held (Lancaster Castle)?

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

09/09/2018 - really interesting read on a topic that I became obsessed with at a level! So cool that this had a lot of extra details that I wasn’t even aware of, like the possible reasons Jennet Device condemned half of her family to hanging through charges of witchcraft in the 1600s.
Even went to visit Pendle the other day to see the backdrop of this injustice 400 years later and it was so surreal. I’m hoping to research more into this (and other local witch hunts from the time), as I just find it so interesting (dont know what that says about me like...)

[Bill38silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pocket sized book that packs a lot into a small space. It takes a while (nearly a quarter of the book) to get to the trial itself and this setting of the scene will be familiar territory to those, like myself, who have studied witchcraft at higher education. A well written addition to the literature on witchcraft and the particular events in bleak and lonely Lancashire in 1612.

This is a useful introduction especially for those inclined or interested in studying the case with more detailed reading and evaluation of the subject.

[Heather Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise read. Factual and educational.

[Emma Pepperell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable introduction into the English witchcraft trials of the 1600's. Forms a good basis for further reading.

[Rebecca Haslam · Rating 2 out of 5]

After watching a programme about the pendle witches and how last month was the 400th anniversary of their trial and subsequent hanging, I decided to look a little deeper into the history. This book, although short, provides details those unfamiliar with the cases may be curious to learn. It also pays homage to the one surviving account of the trial period itself...something which I will be checking out in future.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of three new books from Lancaster-based publisher, Palatine, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Pendle witch trials. Essentially an introduction to the case, but the writing and research here is of a high standard. Printed in a postcard-size format, with black and white photos evoking Lancashire's wild beauty.

[Wendy Perriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this little book. It's accurate, thought-provoking, well-written and a thoughtful guide to a complex case.