The Weem Witch

by Leonard Low

The true horror of the Pittenweem witches
1704: In a Scottish coastal village fallen on hard times, a dispute between neighbours mixes with superstition. A young blacksmith finds a suspicious package at his door and soon falls ill – the victim of a witch’s spell it is said. Soon the town is torn apart by ambitious demagogues and mob violence, dragging innocent women and men in to a cyclone of repression and death.
Discover how forces ranging from local jealousies to international politics combined to create this frightful case, which helped lead to the repeal of the unjust witch laws, but not before many were caught up in the terror.

This new edition of the book updates the story with a look at the places involved today, and adds events and discoveries occurring since its first publication. ‘A compelling read...the remarkable stories he has uncovered are fascinating, enriched by facts and personal accounts which are as gripping as they are enlightening.’ — East Fife Mail
‘Aims to drag these shameful stories out of the darkest corners of the Neuk’s hidden past...a terrible reminder of a world gone mad.’ — Dundee Courier
‘A horrific record of how easily people can be led and the human consequences this sad fact can have...an admirable work putting a human face on those who were persecuted on the basis of gossip and hearsay...a good read for anyone interested in injustice.’ — Fortean Times

198 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Ashleigh (a frolic through fiction) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled on this one randomly when scouring through shelves of Scottish history books searches for something exactly like this - a more in depth, personal account of witchcraft history in Scotland. It is fair to say this book is not an easy read. Leonard Low doesn’t shy away from listing the horrendous acts carried out against those accused of witchcraft, but I appreciated the tone and care taken in recounting these stories. The author does clearly insert his own opinion, but this is acknowledged and I think many who would pick up this book would have the same general thoughts upon reading.

I’m glad this little book exists to help document the lives (and deaths) of the people of Pittenweem.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched by a local writer into a local issue. However, the 'locals' in 1704 were not a very pleasant bunch. Probably the, story of Scottish witches could be repeated all over the country, each with its own perspective. In Pittenweem, the driving force was the parish minister.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating history of the witch trials in little Pittenweem, Scotland. Excellent history of the little town during that timeframe.

[Lesley-anne Brewster]

Pacy, well informed.

[Gillian Dailly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After visiting Leonards museum in Leven I bought this amazing book.
Easy to read and full of facts and stories. I couldn't put it down and I am looking forward to getting started on his next book.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

picked this book up in a cafe in Scotland. looked to buy it second hand but had no luck. had to leave scotland with out the book. hope to find it someday again. the two chapters were great!.. Maria sent me the book after I got back to Germany. Read it over the summer. very interesting but it eventually dragged near the end.