Witches and Witchcraft

by David Nash

Witchcraft haunts the Western imagination to this day, from Central Europe to Britain to North America. This book explores the development of witchcraft and of the belief in it (stressing the difference between the two), the sixteenthand seventeenth-century obsession that spawned witch-hunting, the eventual decline of witchcraft, and the phenomenon's fascinating 'afterlife' that has involved the Nazis' fixation and modern treatments including Arthur Miller's acclaimed The Crucible. Fully illustrated with historical documents and colour photographs, and expertly written by Professor David Nash, this book is the perfect introduction to a subject that is compelling, disturbing and a little-understood cultural touchstone.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Magick, Paganism

96 pages, Kindle Edition

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.