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A Discovery of the Impostures of Witches and Astrologers
First published in 1680, A Discovery of the Impostures of Witches and Astrologers by John Brinley is an important example and contemporary account of the establishment's ideas, beliefs and debate surrounding the practices of witchcraft, magic and divination that lay behind the approved persecution of witches and other practitioners. Revealed is an acceptance of the existence of witches, the reality of the Devil and the position of magic as deeply integral to everyday life, alongside a denial of the powers possessed by witches and the abilities claimed by magical practitioners such as the Cunning Folk. Belief in them is asserted to be the product of superstition, and the efficacy of their operations is attributed to the delusions and trickery of the Devil or the deceptions of the charlatan. With kind permission of the Museum of Witchcraft, this edition, presented by Troy Books, is transcribed from an original copy held in the Museum's research archive. As closely as possible, the appearance and feel of the original text is carefully reproduced, alongside photo-plates of selected original pages for reference. The present edition is issued with foreword by writer, researcher and assistant curator at the Museum of Witchcraft; Joyce Froome.
Paperback
Published June 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 29, 2020
English is not my mothertongue so reading this book was a bit tough.
However, I am fascinated by anything related to witchcraft and astrology, so I had to get
this book and know what someone from 1680 had to tell us about these subjects.
John Brinley was definitely not a fan of witchcraft nor of astrology (to be more precise
juridical astrology, i.e. astrology that reads birth charts and people's personality based on
the position of the planets). However, Brinley was contradicting himself along the book several
times....He says that God is responsible for the evil and good, so why does he insist that
the Devil exists?
I found that book very interesting, especially for those interested in history of witchcraft or the witch trials.
However, I am fascinated by anything related to witchcraft and astrology, so I had to get
this book and know what someone from 1680 had to tell us about these subjects.
John Brinley was definitely not a fan of witchcraft nor of astrology (to be more precise
juridical astrology, i.e. astrology that reads birth charts and people's personality based on
the position of the planets). However, Brinley was contradicting himself along the book several
times....He says that God is responsible for the evil and good, so why does he insist that
the Devil exists?
I found that book very interesting, especially for those interested in history of witchcraft or the witch trials.
Displaying 1 of 1 review