European Magic and Witchcraft: A Reader

by Martha Rampton (Editor)

Magic, witches, and demons have drawn interest and fear throughout human history. In this comprehensive primary source reader, Martha Rampton traces the history of our fascination with magic and witchcraft from the first through to the seventeenth century. In over 80 readings presented chronologically, Rampton demonstrates how understandings of and reactions toward magic changed and developed over time, and how these ideas were influenced by various factors such as religion, science, and law. The wide-ranging texts emphasize social history and include early Merovingian law codes, the Picatrix , Lombard’s Sentences , The Golden Legend , and A Midsummer Night’s Dream . By presenting a full spectrum of source types including hagiography, law codes, literature, and handbooks, this collection provides readers with a broad view of how magic was understood through the medieval and early modern eras. Rampton’s introduction to the volume is a passionate appeal to students to use tolerance, imagination, and empathy when travelling back in time. The introductions to individual readings are deliberately minimal, providing just enough context so that students can hear medieval voices for themselves.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Magic, Anthologies, Medieval History

480 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2018

Reviews

[Best Friend 🧡 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This primary source reader offers a rich and engaging journey through the history of magic and witchcraft from late antiquity through the seventeenth century. Martha Rampton brings together more than eighty texts that allow readers to witness firsthand how ideas about magic evolved across centuries shaped by religion law science and shifting cultural fears.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its chronological structure. By arranging the readings in historical sequence Rampton makes it possible to trace gradual changes in belief and reaction. Readers can see how magic moved from being integrated into everyday spiritual life to becoming a focus of suspicion regulation and persecution in certain periods.

The diversity of sources is especially impressive. Law codes theological works literary texts and devotional writings sit side by side offering a wide lens on medieval and early modern thought. Including texts such as the Picatrix Lombard’s Sentences The Golden Legend and A Midsummer Night’s Dream shows how magic appeared not only in legal and religious discourse but also in imaginative literature.

Rampton’s approach is intentionally light handed. Her introductions provide just enough guidance while encouraging students to engage directly with the voices of the past. Her opening appeal to approach history with tolerance imagination and empathy sets the tone for a thoughtful exploration.

Accessible yet scholarly this collection is an excellent resource for students of medieval studies religious history and cultural history. It invites readers to move beyond stereotypes and to understand magic and witchcraft as complex and evolving aspects of human experience.

[Tearra Shereè · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for class. Good information, but isn't my reading style.

[Terra Leigh Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic source of information on magic and witchcraft in Europe prior to and after Christianity was introduced. To be clear, this is a reader. Which means these are primary texts, by people living hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

Sadly, for a variety of reasons, there are very few primary texts about pre-Christian European religion written by actually pagan or heathen people. The overwhelming majority of the data comes from Christians who clearly didn't always depict things accurately. But Rampton has done her best to try to offer as much information, coming from different quarters, as possible, and this really is the most historically useful book I've come across on the subject.