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A History of Scottish Witches: The Devil's Handmaidens
A History of Scottish Witches: The Devil's Handmaidens explores the phenomenon of witch persecution in Scotland between 1563 and 1736. Looking at the influence of the likes of John Knox and James VI of Scotland, this book examines the magic and fairy beliefs that underlay witchcraft and how this became twisted by the Scottish Kirk’s obsession with the Devil.
Using examples from actual trial records and so-called witch confessions, this book explores how societal norms surrounding women caused so many to face the rope and the flames and how those norms were exacerbated by the chaos of the reformation and the wars of the Three Kingdoms. How did the magical beliefs of ordinary people become twisted into Devil worship? And why did so many come to believe this? How did the Scottish church and the courts fall into a frenzy of belief that the Devil was around every corner, causing terror across Lowland Scotland, and how did they extract themselves from that frenzy?
Finally, the book looks at how this period of persecution affected the ordinary people of Scotland and what lessons it might hold for today.
Using examples from actual trial records and so-called witch confessions, this book explores how societal norms surrounding women caused so many to face the rope and the flames and how those norms were exacerbated by the chaos of the reformation and the wars of the Three Kingdoms. How did the magical beliefs of ordinary people become twisted into Devil worship? And why did so many come to believe this? How did the Scottish church and the courts fall into a frenzy of belief that the Devil was around every corner, causing terror across Lowland Scotland, and how did they extract themselves from that frenzy?
Finally, the book looks at how this period of persecution affected the ordinary people of Scotland and what lessons it might hold for today.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2026
9 people are currently reading
5866 people want to read
About the author
Mary W. Craig
7 books18 followersI am Mary W. Craig, a writer and historian. I am a former Carnegie scholar and a graduate of the University of Glasgow. I write historical fiction and non-fiction about ordinary people and how they live their lives buffeted by the politics and economics of the elite.
Some historians are known as hedgehogs, happily snuffling about rooting out the minutest of historical details. Others are known as eagles, soaring on high they see the great vistas of historical events. A few are known as magpies: if something shiny and interesting catches their eye they will try to capture it where possible.
I am a magpie.
Some historians are known as hedgehogs, happily snuffling about rooting out the minutest of historical details. Others are known as eagles, soaring on high they see the great vistas of historical events. A few are known as magpies: if something shiny and interesting catches their eye they will try to capture it where possible.
I am a magpie.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 19, 2026
This is a fascinating subject, and one that opens out as soon as Mary W Craig sets out her terms of reference. She is particularly interested in the accusations of witchcraft in Scotland from the Reformation onwards; her timescale here is 1563 to 1736, and the particular flavour of accusations of Satanism within Scottish religion. As such, it takes on Presbyterianism, and John Knox mixed with the particular type of folklore across Scotland: belief in the fairy-folk who were broadly indistinguishable from normal people except when they practiced their powers. This Scottish take on the otherworldly is seen to be baked into the national character, along with a zealotry that came with Knox and the take of predestination that Presbyterians (and to a lesser degree Catholics) held to in the 16th and 17th Century, namely that everything is predetermined by God, so witches don't have a choice in being witches, and have been sent to try the devout, who are equally predetermined to vanquish the evil. It is a hard mindset to get around, and one that sometimes saves victims, as they have no choice. However, James VI (latterly also James I of England), wrote his own treatise on witchcraft at the end of the 16th Century, and this made it a particularly hot-button topic in Scotland.
This is meticulously researched and quickly justifies its own existence by finding a peculiarly Scottish angle to the issue. Craig presents a lot of primary text, which requires a bit of Olde English (Scottish) to decipher, though quite fun to do when reading out loud. And there are some excellent anecdotes in here, not least the witch-hunt for the people who hexed the sea when James I and his Danish bride sailed back from their continental wedding. But it is written in a quite dry, academic style and therefore doesn't leap to that level of non-fiction books on obscure topics that become a must-read. You have to be interested, and stay interested in the actual topic to get to the end, and I am not sure Craig does that all by herself.
This is meticulously researched and quickly justifies its own existence by finding a peculiarly Scottish angle to the issue. Craig presents a lot of primary text, which requires a bit of Olde English (Scottish) to decipher, though quite fun to do when reading out loud. And there are some excellent anecdotes in here, not least the witch-hunt for the people who hexed the sea when James I and his Danish bride sailed back from their continental wedding. But it is written in a quite dry, academic style and therefore doesn't leap to that level of non-fiction books on obscure topics that become a must-read. You have to be interested, and stay interested in the actual topic to get to the end, and I am not sure Craig does that all by herself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very thoughtful basis for anyone interested in witch persecution. It's rooted in the historical, political and societal circumstances that lead to witch hunting and is therefore interesting for readers outside the focus of Scottish history as well.
February 15, 2026
I liked the premise of the book, in that I wanted to understand why witchcraft persecution took off in Scotland in the 17th century specifically, and what local myths were attributed to witches in Scotland, as opposed to other European and North American witch panics.
Unfortunately, I felt the execution wasn’t the best in this book. The information was quite repetitive (lots of focus on how sectarian conflict and jockeying over church/crown power caused instability). I also felt that not all of the questions asked by the author were comprehensively answered, and not all of the conclusions followed from the evidence presented. That said, loved learning that an old Scottish moniker for the Devil was ‘Auld Clooty’ - so fun.
Unfortunately, I felt the execution wasn’t the best in this book. The information was quite repetitive (lots of focus on how sectarian conflict and jockeying over church/crown power caused instability). I also felt that not all of the questions asked by the author were comprehensively answered, and not all of the conclusions followed from the evidence presented. That said, loved learning that an old Scottish moniker for the Devil was ‘Auld Clooty’ - so fun.
March 9, 2026
Thank you to Pen & Sword, the author and NetGalley for granting my wish and providing me with a DRC in return for an honest review.
A History of Scottish Witches offers a fascinating yet chilling overview of the period of witchcraft hysteria in Scotland between 1563 and 1736, when hundreds of people, primarily women, were accused, tried and executed for witchcraft. As the book makes clear, accusations could arise from the most trivial circumstances; being perceived as strange, unpopular, or socially marginal could easily bring suspicion. Reading about this period highlights just how precarious life could be for ordinary people. Reflecting on the fact that my own Scottish ancestors lived through this era adds an additional personal resonance to the history.
The book itself is a relatively short read. Of the 256 pages, around 41 consist of supplementary material including acknowledgements, a timeline, facts and figures, a glossary, notes, bibliography, index and illustrations. The main body of the text therefore functions more as a concise overview rather than a deeply detailed academic study.
One aspect readers should be aware of is that the book’s brevity means some topics are covered quite quickly. Those already familiar with the Scottish Witch trials may find it more of an overview than an in-depth study. However, this concise approach also makes the book very accessible, particularly for readers who are new to the subject or looking for a clear introduction to this period of Scottish history.
Within that scope, however, Mary W Craig provides a clear and accessible summary of the social climate, beliefs and legal structures that allowed the persecution of alleged witches to flourish in Scotland. The woodcut illustrations included at the end of the book are particularly striking, offering visual insight into the fears and supernatural beliefs that shaped public attitudes during the period. To modern readers, many of these ideas appear extraordinary, but they help illustrate how powerful these beliefs were within early modern society.
Overall, A History of Scottish Witches serves as an accessible introduction to a dark and unsettling chapter of Scottish history. It will likely appeal to readers with Scottish ancestry, those interested in the history of witch trials and anyone wanting a concise look at the social and cultural forces that contributed to the persecution of women during this period.
#AHistoryofScottishWitches #NetGalley
A History of Scottish Witches offers a fascinating yet chilling overview of the period of witchcraft hysteria in Scotland between 1563 and 1736, when hundreds of people, primarily women, were accused, tried and executed for witchcraft. As the book makes clear, accusations could arise from the most trivial circumstances; being perceived as strange, unpopular, or socially marginal could easily bring suspicion. Reading about this period highlights just how precarious life could be for ordinary people. Reflecting on the fact that my own Scottish ancestors lived through this era adds an additional personal resonance to the history.
The book itself is a relatively short read. Of the 256 pages, around 41 consist of supplementary material including acknowledgements, a timeline, facts and figures, a glossary, notes, bibliography, index and illustrations. The main body of the text therefore functions more as a concise overview rather than a deeply detailed academic study.
One aspect readers should be aware of is that the book’s brevity means some topics are covered quite quickly. Those already familiar with the Scottish Witch trials may find it more of an overview than an in-depth study. However, this concise approach also makes the book very accessible, particularly for readers who are new to the subject or looking for a clear introduction to this period of Scottish history.
Within that scope, however, Mary W Craig provides a clear and accessible summary of the social climate, beliefs and legal structures that allowed the persecution of alleged witches to flourish in Scotland. The woodcut illustrations included at the end of the book are particularly striking, offering visual insight into the fears and supernatural beliefs that shaped public attitudes during the period. To modern readers, many of these ideas appear extraordinary, but they help illustrate how powerful these beliefs were within early modern society.
Overall, A History of Scottish Witches serves as an accessible introduction to a dark and unsettling chapter of Scottish history. It will likely appeal to readers with Scottish ancestry, those interested in the history of witch trials and anyone wanting a concise look at the social and cultural forces that contributed to the persecution of women during this period.
#AHistoryofScottishWitches #NetGalley
March 30, 2026
This book reads like a very dense book report. The tone isn’t conversational but more like a recitation; the information delivered is so carefully phrased and supported by facts and research, but can be repetitive and long-winded. In two pages it’s mentioned three times that fishing is dangerous; in telling one woman’s story it’s mentioned four times that she “pled her belly” and was out on bond. It’s drier than I personally prefer my non fiction books to be and I found it tedious and hard to stay interested.
It’s interesting to see how the author traces back the initial actions — and the people who took them — that led to the definition, othering, and persecution of supposed witches, and how the Christian religion worked to firmly destroy folk beliefs and practices, turning the faeries from Good Neighbors into Satan’s neighbors. And, of course, the misogyny.
But there are a few moments in the conclusions that stood out to me. The entire book is very flat with little emotion, but there are lengthy passages on how traumatizing the witch hunts must have been to children written with more passion than any previous chapter. Then a paragraph on the poor men who were emasculated by their wives, mothers, daughters being accused of witchcraft, tortured and maybe killed. And, of course, pity the poor executioner who had to kill someone. I understand the point the author is making, how entire societies were affected by this madness, how it tore communities apart — not to mention what the poor women went through — but the calls to feel pity feel awfully male oriented in the conclusion.
And I get it. This is the sum of the author’s work, fixation and research. It just comes off a bit jarring in a book about the suffering of witches — and chapters filled with their names, their stories, and the dry mentions of torture — to end on the poor executioners and the men who put those women on trial. All in all, this book wasn’t for me. I didn’t care for the writing or the ending, but the research and detail is there. If this is a subject you’re interested in, you might want to take a look at this book.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Between the early sixteenth century and the mid-eighteenth century, Scotland, with a population of around one million, saw approximately 3,800–4,000 individuals accused of witchcraft. Around 85% of those accused were women, and an estimated 2,500 or more were executed. By this measure, Scotland had one of the highest rates of witch trials and executions per capita in Europe.
Having recently read the excellent Agnes Finnie, also by Mary W. Craig, which gives a blow-by-blow account of a solitary case of a woman accused of witchcraft in central Edinburgh, I was looking forward to reading this book and was not disappointed.
In A History of Scottish Witches: The Devil’s Handmaidens, Craig examines the mania that gripped Scotland during this period. She begins by showing how the conditions and foundations of the hysteria were laid down a few decades earlier, most immediately by John Knox and later ignited by James VI.
Craig then explores the aspects of life that fuelled the national frenzy: the repeated poor harvests leading to famine, the chaotic political turmoil under Charles I — told from a rare perspective, which I found particularly engaging — and the persistence of pagan beliefs in rural areas, which a power-crazed and histrionic Church of Scotland was desperate to stamp out.
The accounts of accusations and the extraction of confessions are deeply depressing, agitating at best and infuriating at worst. I particularly appreciated Craig’s neutral and factual tone, avoiding baseless speculation that might have been easy to insert.
Overall, this was a superb read, and I would recommend it as an entry point for anyone wanting to learn more about Scotland’s witch hunts during this period. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Pen & Sword for the ARC
Having recently read the excellent Agnes Finnie, also by Mary W. Craig, which gives a blow-by-blow account of a solitary case of a woman accused of witchcraft in central Edinburgh, I was looking forward to reading this book and was not disappointed.
In A History of Scottish Witches: The Devil’s Handmaidens, Craig examines the mania that gripped Scotland during this period. She begins by showing how the conditions and foundations of the hysteria were laid down a few decades earlier, most immediately by John Knox and later ignited by James VI.
Craig then explores the aspects of life that fuelled the national frenzy: the repeated poor harvests leading to famine, the chaotic political turmoil under Charles I — told from a rare perspective, which I found particularly engaging — and the persistence of pagan beliefs in rural areas, which a power-crazed and histrionic Church of Scotland was desperate to stamp out.
The accounts of accusations and the extraction of confessions are deeply depressing, agitating at best and infuriating at worst. I particularly appreciated Craig’s neutral and factual tone, avoiding baseless speculation that might have been easy to insert.
Overall, this was a superb read, and I would recommend it as an entry point for anyone wanting to learn more about Scotland’s witch hunts during this period. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Pen & Sword for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went back and forth on this rating for a long time.
On one hand this is a fascinating book, it covers hundreds of years, from before James I and IV of Scotland, all the way up past the Glorious Revolution of 1688. It ends with the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland (although I wish a little more had been done with her, or some of the most infamous witches in general.) It covers the pressures facing the country, the mix of religious and secular insecurity that built up pressure and why calling 'witch' was sometimes the only way the people could cope.
On the other hand, there is a lot of repetition in this book. A LOT. And sometimes within the same page. There was also the weird choice to use the term handmaidens for nearly two chapters before 'handmaidens (witches)' was used. Its a little thing, but its odd.
There is also a lot of speculation. I fully understand that we do not and can never truly know the motives of people, but sometimes half a page is devoted to possibilities, questions and no conclusion drawn either way.
Showing how the Civil War impacted on Scottish witch trials was fascinating, esp when you remember that Matthew Hopkins was in England at the same time. An enjoyable read but just missing that tiny little thing.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
On one hand this is a fascinating book, it covers hundreds of years, from before James I and IV of Scotland, all the way up past the Glorious Revolution of 1688. It ends with the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland (although I wish a little more had been done with her, or some of the most infamous witches in general.) It covers the pressures facing the country, the mix of religious and secular insecurity that built up pressure and why calling 'witch' was sometimes the only way the people could cope.
On the other hand, there is a lot of repetition in this book. A LOT. And sometimes within the same page. There was also the weird choice to use the term handmaidens for nearly two chapters before 'handmaidens (witches)' was used. Its a little thing, but its odd.
There is also a lot of speculation. I fully understand that we do not and can never truly know the motives of people, but sometimes half a page is devoted to possibilities, questions and no conclusion drawn either way.
Showing how the Civil War impacted on Scottish witch trials was fascinating, esp when you remember that Matthew Hopkins was in England at the same time. An enjoyable read but just missing that tiny little thing.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
March 1, 2026
This is a super interesting read and covers both a period and events in history which aren't always looked at. The time period spanned is broad, literally hundreds of years, and discusses the reasons why so many people were executed for witchcraft in Scotland, particularly when compared to the numbers from other countries. I particularly enjoyed the fact that the book delved into the contradictory nature of witchcraft accusations - and how quickly opinions could turn.
My biggest frustration is the amount of both rhetorical questions which aren't delved into, and how repetitive the book was. there is a lot of repetition in this book. I appreciate that in a short, non-fiction book on a specialised topic is naturally going to go over itself, but it did make things feel jarred and slow at points.
Really interesting though, I think it does help if you have a broad understanding of the political and religious climate at the time - particularly in England, Scotland, France and Spain - but even if you don't, there are some fascinating tidbits in here.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me the ARC in exchange for an honest review -
My biggest frustration is the amount of both rhetorical questions which aren't delved into, and how repetitive the book was. there is a lot of repetition in this book. I appreciate that in a short, non-fiction book on a specialised topic is naturally going to go over itself, but it did make things feel jarred and slow at points.
Really interesting though, I think it does help if you have a broad understanding of the political and religious climate at the time - particularly in England, Scotland, France and Spain - but even if you don't, there are some fascinating tidbits in here.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me the ARC in exchange for an honest review -
March 13, 2026
A history of Scottish Witches is such a fascinating look at the phenomenon that was Scottish Witches and why Scotland persecuted so many witches in the 16th and 17th century. This book is extremely well researched and examines historical records to understand why Scottish Witches and why the religious and political landscape of Scotland were consumed by their obsession with the devil, witches and all things supernatural. There was a belief that witches gained their power from the faeries. Scotland has a deep history of folkloric history concerning witches, fairies, changelings, and the supernatural. Similar to Ireland in this folklore history, which I love reading about!
The book especially looks at the influence of John Knox and James VI of Scotland influence on the witch trials. It uses actual trial records and witch confessions. Which I found so intriguing. The author links how skills such as healing were seen to have come from the fairies and in turn witchcraft. With some healers persecuted while others were not. These differing views of healers in different regions was very interesting including how different areas of Scotland also persecuted more witches. It really examined the historical, political, religious and societal circumstances that lead to witch hunting.
Overall a fantastic look at the trials of witches in Scotland during this time period. I'd definitely recommend it if it's an area of interest or even if you want to learn more about the witch trials, and laws in Scotland.
The book especially looks at the influence of John Knox and James VI of Scotland influence on the witch trials. It uses actual trial records and witch confessions. Which I found so intriguing. The author links how skills such as healing were seen to have come from the fairies and in turn witchcraft. With some healers persecuted while others were not. These differing views of healers in different regions was very interesting including how different areas of Scotland also persecuted more witches. It really examined the historical, political, religious and societal circumstances that lead to witch hunting.
Overall a fantastic look at the trials of witches in Scotland during this time period. I'd definitely recommend it if it's an area of interest or even if you want to learn more about the witch trials, and laws in Scotland.
March 9, 2026
This is a thoroughly researched and documented story of witches in Scotland. While there are common denominators in all witch trials, the situation in Scotland had its own unique quirks. Religious beliefs coloured the stage for the abominations that were to come. It was not just the usual Catholic versus Protestant but the scrabbling for power within the various divisions within the Protestant faith. Add to that many factors, not the least being pestilence, famine and all the other ills rampant at the time. The Little Ice Age exacerbated it all and since times were tough, they needed scapegoats. And all through history, women have made easy targets for men.
It was not only men however who accused. Women were frequently behind the finger pointing. And, on occasion, men too were accused but not nearly as often. The actual numbers of victims will never be known. Records, if there were any were lost. Many victims never saw a trial. Some of those accused were the healers who helped the poorer elements of society. It was a black time.
The book is a heavy tome but well worth the effort. Four purrs and one paw up.
It was not only men however who accused. Women were frequently behind the finger pointing. And, on occasion, men too were accused but not nearly as often. The actual numbers of victims will never be known. Records, if there were any were lost. Many victims never saw a trial. Some of those accused were the healers who helped the poorer elements of society. It was a black time.
The book is a heavy tome but well worth the effort. Four purrs and one paw up.
February 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I found this a really interesting, Scotland-centric work on witchcraft and the witch hunts that made their way across Europe in the seventeenth century. It went into very deep detail across some of the issues, and, while it did feel a bit repetitive, it was really interesting in terms of the single country focus.
I did like how the book went into detail on some of the mythology, and the general folklore in the country, with the focus on the church and political climate as well. I do think that it went a little too far into the crown and the politics, and I would have liked a bit more about the actual witchcraft inquests and approaches of village folk and things like that.
I do think that it could have gone a little further with some of the content, but all in all, it was a really good look at a microcosm of a very specific area at a very specific time.
I found this a really interesting, Scotland-centric work on witchcraft and the witch hunts that made their way across Europe in the seventeenth century. It went into very deep detail across some of the issues, and, while it did feel a bit repetitive, it was really interesting in terms of the single country focus.
I did like how the book went into detail on some of the mythology, and the general folklore in the country, with the focus on the church and political climate as well. I do think that it went a little too far into the crown and the politics, and I would have liked a bit more about the actual witchcraft inquests and approaches of village folk and things like that.
I do think that it could have gone a little further with some of the content, but all in all, it was a really good look at a microcosm of a very specific area at a very specific time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to love this book and was so keen to read it.
Whilst there were details that I hadn't known and some interesting quotes (which might have been better translated) overall I was disappointed as I expected more about the 'witches', their communities, how they lived and how the families of those accused felt were treated etc.
I wanted a more emotional human touch to their stories and so I was disappointed.
The book wasn't really for me as it didn't give any real sense of the horror of the witch trials and how that impacted women's role in society.
Some of the facts were interesting and the author has obviously researched extensively, but the repetition made the book difficult to take to.
Whilst there were details that I hadn't known and some interesting quotes (which might have been better translated) overall I was disappointed as I expected more about the 'witches', their communities, how they lived and how the families of those accused felt were treated etc.
I wanted a more emotional human touch to their stories and so I was disappointed.
The book wasn't really for me as it didn't give any real sense of the horror of the witch trials and how that impacted women's role in society.
Some of the facts were interesting and the author has obviously researched extensively, but the repetition made the book difficult to take to.
March 27, 2026
I was really looking forward to this one and so disappointed to find it hard work.
it's neither an academic text nor written for a lay audience, bringing the worst of both being dry and long winded without being emotive or compassionate for the victims. alongside a repeated notion that those accused of witchcraft often were Witches, but not in league with the devil...
Then, 40% of the conclusion is how watching witch executions would have traumatized children... and another page on how those poor people who tortured and executed them may have had PTSD... I rather expected more compassion for the victims, those tortured and executed, as well as for those treading in eggshells for fear of being accused next.
Not what I expected, very disappointing
it's neither an academic text nor written for a lay audience, bringing the worst of both being dry and long winded without being emotive or compassionate for the victims. alongside a repeated notion that those accused of witchcraft often were Witches, but not in league with the devil...
Then, 40% of the conclusion is how watching witch executions would have traumatized children... and another page on how those poor people who tortured and executed them may have had PTSD... I rather expected more compassion for the victims, those tortured and executed, as well as for those treading in eggshells for fear of being accused next.
Not what I expected, very disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had high hopes for this book but I'm not sure it delivered. I have been reading a lot about the witches as research for a paper and I was hoping this book would give a more detailed perspective on the women behind the tales, their roles in society and the horrors of being prosecuted. Instead it read more as a general history of Scotland and its fear of witches; still interesting as an overview, but nothing that hasn't been done before. The connections between legislative change, societal context and historical context felt disjointed at times. You can definitely tell that the author did their job a research, but for me it just didn't quite hit the spot.
March 9, 2026
This was a fascinating read, covering the mythology of the time, the pagan celebrations and offerings to the fairies for good harvests etc.
The changing religious beliefs, ministers preaching of the evil of witches and witchcraft, the societal fear and hysteria, what a terrible time to have lived through.
I especially enjoyed the photos and the glossary, as there were quite a few words that I didn't understand.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for granting me access to the digital copy. All opinions are my own.
The changing religious beliefs, ministers preaching of the evil of witches and witchcraft, the societal fear and hysteria, what a terrible time to have lived through.
I especially enjoyed the photos and the glossary, as there were quite a few words that I didn't understand.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for granting me access to the digital copy. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2026
A very interesting read. I'm not usually a non-fiction person, but decided to branch out of my comfort zone. I learned so much reading this book, and had no idea of the part Faerie/Fairy beliefs played in the history of witchcraft in Scotland, and how much complexities there were in the political and social history of the time. While the pace was on the slower side, it was very informative and not too difficult to read, especially if you have preexisting knowledge of the church (which of course isn't a prerequisite!)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A wonderfully, thought provoking book on the history of witches primarily in Scotland but also its effects and roots from other countries. Brilliantly researched and written in a way that won't make you feel like you are sitting in some boring history class. As always, A bonus for me, it comes with pictures and some great illustrations. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A book I immediately knew I wanted in on, this is a topic I hadn't known a lot about prior. The witch panic is honestly quite a fascinating mania that Europe seemed to latch onto. The book explores the history of famine they had during the period, along with a lot of political turbulence. I found it fascinating the span of history it all included, since it happened for such a long period of time in Scotland.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A thought provoking book about witches primarily in Scottland.
Great illustrations, well researched and written in an un-academic way which make it a book for everyone.
Thank you NetGalley and Pen Sword History for the e-ARC.
Great illustrations, well researched and written in an un-academic way which make it a book for everyone.
Thank you NetGalley and Pen Sword History for the e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am always appauled how one mans total paranoia over witchraft led to the persicution of so many innocent people all over the world. James VI became obsessed by the idea that he was the victim of witchraft and it appears nobody was safe. Whitch hunts were carried out all over Scotland, England and indeed the world.
Whilst the book was very informative, and well written, the author has obviously done a lot of research. I found the book read more like a reference book or textbook rather than the story I was expecting. It was a general overview rather than a concentrated focus on a certain case or individual, which I would have preferred.
I live in a area where we have our own witch trials "The Pendle Witches" so it was interesting to hear how things were investigated in Scotland.
I thought one line in the book was very thought provoking and summed up the dangerous times.
"Not all witches are women but all women were potential witches"
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword History for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Whilst the book was very informative, and well written, the author has obviously done a lot of research. I found the book read more like a reference book or textbook rather than the story I was expecting. It was a general overview rather than a concentrated focus on a certain case or individual, which I would have preferred.
I live in a area where we have our own witch trials "The Pendle Witches" so it was interesting to hear how things were investigated in Scotland.
I thought one line in the book was very thought provoking and summed up the dangerous times.
"Not all witches are women but all women were potential witches"
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword History for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publishers – Pen & Sword History – for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I read this book at the same time I was writing a paper on the witch trials in Sweden in the 1600s – very fitting, and a great perspective to have to compare the two.
Like many books published by Pen & Sword History it reads as a great introduction to the subject. Who and what was regarded as witches and witchcraft. The sort of importance of society in the early modern times and so on.
A good resource to start an interest in the subject.
I read this book at the same time I was writing a paper on the witch trials in Sweden in the 1600s – very fitting, and a great perspective to have to compare the two.
Like many books published by Pen & Sword History it reads as a great introduction to the subject. Who and what was regarded as witches and witchcraft. The sort of importance of society in the early modern times and so on.
A good resource to start an interest in the subject.
March 8, 2026
A woman who denied being a witch was a liar and therefore was a witch. A woman who said she had not met the devil was a liar and had, obviously, met Auld Nick.’
A great book on witches. I had a great interest as I am from Scotland ☺️
A must read for history lovers.
‘As men were considered more true and more steadfast in their faith, in most cases to think of a man as a witch was too awful, too shocking to contemplate.’
A great book on witches. I had a great interest as I am from Scotland ☺️
A must read for history lovers.
‘As men were considered more true and more steadfast in their faith, in most cases to think of a man as a witch was too awful, too shocking to contemplate.’
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