Witches and Witchcraft

by David Nash

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, entire communities, particularly in central Europe were gripped by a fear of witches and witchcraft, and pursued witches in order to bring them to justice. Professor David Nash unlocks the sometimes opaque history of the phenomenon of witchcraft in Britain, Europe and America. The book explores the development of witchcraft and belief in witches, the obsession with witches and witchcraft that spawned witch-hunting, the hey-day and decline of witch-hunting, and the fascinating ‘afterlife’ of witchcraft: covering not only the survival of some beliefs into the nineteenth century but the academic interest in witchcraft in the early twentieth century, which culminated in the interest shown in the phenomenon by experts serving the interests and ideology of Nazi Germany. Among the themes that the author will examine are the geographical spread and regional differences in witchcraft and witch-hunting across Britain, Europe and America; the theories on the rise of witch-hunting; and gender differences: why so many more women were accused and convicted of witch-hunting than men.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Magick, Paganism

56 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2013

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is full of interesting information about the belief in witchcraft and witch trials plus some marvellous images and illustrations. It's pretty short so wonderful to dip into.

[Liselotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an incredibly informative little book, more so than most Shire Library books. Honestly, even more informative than most books I've got about this subject!
This is, however, just about Europe and the USA, which I felt like it was a huge shame. Instead of talking about witches now, it could've talked about the subject on a more global level, as witches aren't a phenomena in just those two places.

The book uses a lot of great pictures, which I really enjoy about these books! All in all, it's a great informative book, and a great addition to my collection.

[Roger Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an unusual book and not what I expected. It is a short account of the history of how witchcraft and the belief in it were viewed by society particularly in the sixteenth and seventeenth century when witch-hunting was at its height. There is a picture of Alice Nutter but no direct reference to the Pendle witch trials. So, more a history of attitudes towards witchcraft rather than a history of witchcraft itself.

[Serena Locritani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations, I Really yhe mix between old famous paintings with illustrations of sabbath or witches. Very interesting mini research regarding Witchcraft and the history of that. The different approach of countries for remove the problem of witches, the torture behind the trials, the many different sad stories of so many people accused of Witchcraft.

[Bode Cauthon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect introduction to the history of witchcraft and the “burning times”. It’s like the wade pool of books. This is what you start with and then dive deeper into the long and convoluted history of different cultures and governments across Europe to truly grasp the complexity of the subject.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sharp, great read.

[San · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the perfect intro to the subject.
Love the illustrations and photos.