Der Hexenhammer: Bereicherte Ausgabe. Alle 4 Bände

by Heinrich Kramer

Heinrich Kramer's 'Der Hexenhammer' is a magnum opus in the realm of witch hunting literature. Published in 1487, this book delves deep into the theological justifications and procedural guidelines for identifying, prosecuting, and executing witches. Written in a rigorous and meticulous style, 'Der Hexenhammer' reflects the paranoia and hysteria surrounding witchcraft during the late medieval period, with detailed descriptions of satanic pacts, spells, and demonic possession. Kramer's work served as a manual for inquisitors and fueled the European witch hunts of the early modern period. While controversial and oft-criticized for its brutal methods, 'Der Hexenhammer' remains a key text for understanding the history of witch trials and the religious fervor of the time.

829 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2024

About the author

Heinrich Kramer also known under the Latinized name Henricus Institoris, was a German churchman and inquisitor. Born in Sélestat, Alsace, he joined the Dominican Order at an early age and while still a young man was appointed Prior of the Dominican house of his native town.

At some date before 1474 he was appointed Inquisitor for the Tyrol, Salzburg, Bohemia and Moravia. His eloquence in the pulpit and tireless activity received recognition at Rome and he was the right-hand man of the Archbishop of Salzburg. By the time of the Bull Summis desiderantes of Pope Innocent VIII in 1484 he was already associated with Jacob Sprenger to make an inquisition for witches and sorcerers. In 1485 he drew up a treatise on witchcraft which was incorporated in the Malleus Maleficarum (literally "The Hammer of Witches").

Kramer failed in his attempt to obtain endorsement for this work from the top theologians of the Inquisition at the Faculty of Cologne, and they condemned the book as recommending unethical and illegal procedures, as well as being inconsistent with Catholic doctrines of demonology.

In 1495 he was summoned to Venice to give public lectures, which were very popular. In 1500 he was empowered to proceed against the Waldensians and Picards.

He died in Bohemia in 1505.