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A History of Magic and Witchcraft: Sabbats, Satan and Superstitions in the West
Broomsticks and cauldrons, familiars and magic and witchcraft conjures a vivid picture in our modern-day imagination. While much of our understanding is rooted in superstition and myth, the history of magic and witchcraft offers a window into the past. It illuminates the lives of ordinary people in the past and shines a light on the fascinating pop culture of the premodern world.
Blowing away folkloric cobwebs, this enlightening new history dispels many of the misconceptions surrounding witchcraft and magic that we still hold today. From Ancient Greece and Rome through to the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Era, historian Frances Timbers shines a light on the impact of Christianity and popular culture in the construction of the figure of the ‘witch’. The development of demonology and ceremonial magic is brought together with the West’s troubled past with magic and witchcraft to chart the birth of modern Wiccan and Neopagan movements in England and North America.
Witchcraft is a metaphor for oppression in an age in which persecution is an everyday occurrence somewhere in the world. Fanaticism, intolerance, prejudice, authoritarianism, and religious and political ideologies are never attractive. Beware the witch hunter!
Blowing away folkloric cobwebs, this enlightening new history dispels many of the misconceptions surrounding witchcraft and magic that we still hold today. From Ancient Greece and Rome through to the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Era, historian Frances Timbers shines a light on the impact of Christianity and popular culture in the construction of the figure of the ‘witch’. The development of demonology and ceremonial magic is brought together with the West’s troubled past with magic and witchcraft to chart the birth of modern Wiccan and Neopagan movements in England and North America.
Witchcraft is a metaphor for oppression in an age in which persecution is an everyday occurrence somewhere in the world. Fanaticism, intolerance, prejudice, authoritarianism, and religious and political ideologies are never attractive. Beware the witch hunter!
202 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2019
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557 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 26, 2023
4.5 "straightforward, fascinating, well structured" stars !!!
2022 Honorable Mention Read
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Pen & Sword History for an e-copy. I am providing my honest review. This was released Feb. 2020.
This is my Halloween Read of 2022 !
Ms. Timbers is a lecturer at Trent University in Peterborough Ontario and this subject is one of her specialties.
The author takes a secular, intelligent and convincing stance on the history of witchcraft, magic and Satanism in Western Europe. Through careful research and deep thought she presents a history of this area without spiritual overtones or harsh judgements. The writing is clear and understandable and she builds in carefully and sequentially a narrative that is most alluring to many of us. To historical fact she adds sociological understanding and psychological and political insights into why these events transpired. She also debunks not only Church shenanigans and patriarchal struggles but also the false extreme understanding that feminist scholars took to further their own political agendas in the twentieth century. There are wonderful summaries and conclusions in each and every chapter. The text is also supplemented with photographs and illustrations. The end is full of further recommended reading if one wishes to deepen their understanding on these subject areas.
My one niggle was that I did not usually appreciate the author's sense of humor which at times took me away from a very frightening narrative ! At times it felt just a touch arrogant !
This was a superb treat to discern all sorts of trickery and carefully illuminate a huge amount of subject matter in an intelligent and rather brief work !
2022 Honorable Mention Read
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Pen & Sword History for an e-copy. I am providing my honest review. This was released Feb. 2020.
This is my Halloween Read of 2022 !
Ms. Timbers is a lecturer at Trent University in Peterborough Ontario and this subject is one of her specialties.
The author takes a secular, intelligent and convincing stance on the history of witchcraft, magic and Satanism in Western Europe. Through careful research and deep thought she presents a history of this area without spiritual overtones or harsh judgements. The writing is clear and understandable and she builds in carefully and sequentially a narrative that is most alluring to many of us. To historical fact she adds sociological understanding and psychological and political insights into why these events transpired. She also debunks not only Church shenanigans and patriarchal struggles but also the false extreme understanding that feminist scholars took to further their own political agendas in the twentieth century. There are wonderful summaries and conclusions in each and every chapter. The text is also supplemented with photographs and illustrations. The end is full of further recommended reading if one wishes to deepen their understanding on these subject areas.
My one niggle was that I did not usually appreciate the author's sense of humor which at times took me away from a very frightening narrative ! At times it felt just a touch arrogant !
This was a superb treat to discern all sorts of trickery and carefully illuminate a huge amount of subject matter in an intelligent and rather brief work !
Read
November 16, 2020Good history of European witchcraft and magic, making some clear distinctions between witchcraft, cunning folk, and ceremonial magic (ie the posh man kind). Useful on the witch crazes and cultural context too--author puts the predominance of women among the targets as having a lot less to do with direct-to-consumer misogyny and a lot more to do with the overall socioeconomic position of poor women.
Even-handed and a very useful overview in several areas. I do wish the publisher had taken out the rather weak jokey asides, though. Especially the ones with double exclamation marks.
Even-handed and a very useful overview in several areas. I do wish the publisher had taken out the rather weak jokey asides, though. Especially the ones with double exclamation marks.
March 19, 2020
This book is everything I wanted Ronald Hutton's The Witch to be, which is: an accessible historical overview of the West's understanding of witches and witchcraft and the infamous witch hunts of Western Europe.
Timbers begins with Ancient Greece and Rome's understanding of magic and witchcraft, then moves through the decades to paint a picture of the development of the popular notions of witchcraft and how they changed throughout the times. Along the way she debunks many popular beliefs about the witch trials. For example: the Malleus Malleficarum, or the Hammer of Witches, was not in fact the most influential written text on witches and witchcraft, despite its infamy; the Inquisition was actually a moderating influence on witch hunts at the local level, which tended to spiral out of control; witch hunts were not a systemic and systematic woman-hunting endeavor; accused witches were not practitioners of a pre-Christian fertility cult; Wicca is a modern amalgamation of many different cultural influences and rituals and is not in fact a prehistoric religion.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the way this was written; there was depth and detail but it was not overly scholarly and is immensely accessible to the average reader. My only gripe is that, despite the very formal style of the writing, the author would sometimes inject jokes or break the fourth wall in a way that was weirdly jarring and unprofessional. It would have been one thing if the entire tone of the book were conversational like that (though I likely would have hated that book), but it was very strange to be reading something semi-academic only to be interrupted by a bizarre joke ending in two (!!) exclamation marks.
But aside from that minor quibble, this is a thoroughly-researched and comprehensive account of the history of witchcraft in Western Europe; it does a superb job condensing hundreds of years of history in a logical and comprehensible way. I learned a ton!
Timbers begins with Ancient Greece and Rome's understanding of magic and witchcraft, then moves through the decades to paint a picture of the development of the popular notions of witchcraft and how they changed throughout the times. Along the way she debunks many popular beliefs about the witch trials. For example: the Malleus Malleficarum, or the Hammer of Witches, was not in fact the most influential written text on witches and witchcraft, despite its infamy; the Inquisition was actually a moderating influence on witch hunts at the local level, which tended to spiral out of control; witch hunts were not a systemic and systematic woman-hunting endeavor; accused witches were not practitioners of a pre-Christian fertility cult; Wicca is a modern amalgamation of many different cultural influences and rituals and is not in fact a prehistoric religion.
Overall, I very much enjoyed the way this was written; there was depth and detail but it was not overly scholarly and is immensely accessible to the average reader. My only gripe is that, despite the very formal style of the writing, the author would sometimes inject jokes or break the fourth wall in a way that was weirdly jarring and unprofessional. It would have been one thing if the entire tone of the book were conversational like that (though I likely would have hated that book), but it was very strange to be reading something semi-academic only to be interrupted by a bizarre joke ending in two (!!) exclamation marks.
But aside from that minor quibble, this is a thoroughly-researched and comprehensive account of the history of witchcraft in Western Europe; it does a superb job condensing hundreds of years of history in a logical and comprehensible way. I learned a ton!
August 28, 2020
I’d like to thank Pen and Sword books for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Due to the sheer amount of research and knowledge demonstrated in this book I felt compelled to give this book no less than four stars. This is one of three books from Timbers with a focus on themes such as witchcraft and magic so it’s clear to see that this is a woman with extensive knowledge of the history of witchcraft. This book focuses on many different elements of witch history; discusses a timeline of witchcraft from its beginnings in the classical era to modern day Wicca; and examines the connections between witchcraft and demonology.
As a witch scholar myself I’ve read extensively around similar topics yet Timbers work stood out and showed a uniqueness with its focus on the sabbat. Books I’ve read in the past have either ignored this element of witch history entirely or only briefly referenced it, it was therefore refreshing to read a book with such an extensive focus on it.
The reason I didn’t give this book five stars is because, although the sabbat element showed originality, there was a lot of content in this book that I’ve read elsewhere. For example, the connections between King James VI and the North Berwick witch trials; the idea of the witches’ pact with the devil; and the connections between poorer classes and witch accusations. Furthermore, as Timbers tries to cover a lot certain elements aren’t as developed as I’d have liked them to be. For example, she has a section on child witches which barely covers a page; I’d have been interested to see that further elaborated as it’s a less common element of witch history.
Overall, I think this book is great for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge on witches and witchcraft. It’s well written, well researched, and was an enjoyable read.
Due to the sheer amount of research and knowledge demonstrated in this book I felt compelled to give this book no less than four stars. This is one of three books from Timbers with a focus on themes such as witchcraft and magic so it’s clear to see that this is a woman with extensive knowledge of the history of witchcraft. This book focuses on many different elements of witch history; discusses a timeline of witchcraft from its beginnings in the classical era to modern day Wicca; and examines the connections between witchcraft and demonology.
As a witch scholar myself I’ve read extensively around similar topics yet Timbers work stood out and showed a uniqueness with its focus on the sabbat. Books I’ve read in the past have either ignored this element of witch history entirely or only briefly referenced it, it was therefore refreshing to read a book with such an extensive focus on it.
The reason I didn’t give this book five stars is because, although the sabbat element showed originality, there was a lot of content in this book that I’ve read elsewhere. For example, the connections between King James VI and the North Berwick witch trials; the idea of the witches’ pact with the devil; and the connections between poorer classes and witch accusations. Furthermore, as Timbers tries to cover a lot certain elements aren’t as developed as I’d have liked them to be. For example, she has a section on child witches which barely covers a page; I’d have been interested to see that further elaborated as it’s a less common element of witch history.
Overall, I think this book is great for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge on witches and witchcraft. It’s well written, well researched, and was an enjoyable read.
March 14, 2020
Thoroughly explained. The author gives a clear and detailed explanation of the "witch-craze". First, he introduces the concepts of witchcraft and magic, and then, he explains how the witch-hunt as we know it (women condemned to burn at the stake or hung) took place, giving several examples. Finally, we learn a bit about the origins of "Modern Wicca" and its main aspects.
There are also 36 images that are mentioned throughout the book, in order to get a better idea. Some of them are old illustrations, photographs of archaeological objects, and paints, among others.
Thanks to Pen & Sword (especially for granting my wish, because the ARC wasn't available when I first requested it) and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are also 36 images that are mentioned throughout the book, in order to get a better idea. Some of them are old illustrations, photographs of archaeological objects, and paints, among others.
Thanks to Pen & Sword (especially for granting my wish, because the ARC wasn't available when I first requested it) and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2020
trigger warning
In this book, Frances Timbers explores the history of magic and witchcraft in the west, starting with the graeco-roman tradition and ending with wicca as we know it today. Especially the part of the witch hunts is euro-centric. Influences from the East are mentioned but not further explored. I don't have any problems with that, I just want to make it clear.
As it should be, in the introduction we learn how she gained her material, and on which parts of the huge topic she concentrates. From an academical standpoint, my only complaint would be that the whole book could have done with more footnotes.
But to be honest, if I read a book for fun and it's in e-format, I don't look for the footnotes if they're not at the bottom of the page as my device would have problems with jumping back and forth.
Be warned that the chapters about heretics and especially about witch hunts are bloody. Usually I don't have any problems with reading gore, but the recountings of the Pappenheimer family are... they make me speechless.
What I found most interesting is how what we understand as old witchcraft really came about in the 19th century, like so many of the beliefs currently held in 21st century middle europe.
I want to read more, and feel like this book was a good entryway to a deeper dive into this topic.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, Frances Timbers explores the history of magic and witchcraft in the west, starting with the graeco-roman tradition and ending with wicca as we know it today. Especially the part of the witch hunts is euro-centric. Influences from the East are mentioned but not further explored. I don't have any problems with that, I just want to make it clear.
As it should be, in the introduction we learn how she gained her material, and on which parts of the huge topic she concentrates. From an academical standpoint, my only complaint would be that the whole book could have done with more footnotes.
But to be honest, if I read a book for fun and it's in e-format, I don't look for the footnotes if they're not at the bottom of the page as my device would have problems with jumping back and forth.
Be warned that the chapters about heretics and especially about witch hunts are bloody. Usually I don't have any problems with reading gore, but the recountings of the Pappenheimer family are... they make me speechless.
What I found most interesting is how what we understand as old witchcraft really came about in the 19th century, like so many of the beliefs currently held in 21st century middle europe.
I want to read more, and feel like this book was a good entryway to a deeper dive into this topic.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2020
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A History of Magic and Witchcraft by Frances Timbers is a wonderful non fiction book about the history of witches/witchcraft/magic as perceived by our society throughout history. I remember taking an Early Modern History course back in college while getting my degree and finding the areas covering the witch craze by far the most interesting parts. I also thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the topic but still found that I learned quite a few things. Especially about how the 20th century influenced my learning about witches in history. The book while non fiction isn't dry. I hate when history texts are dry. Timbers has a great style. I will say that she has a tendency to repeat some information again and again. But for a novice non fiction reader I think this book is enjoyable. I also loved all the pictures that she placed in the text as well.
The book starts in the classical era and goes through the 21st century. I found this piece to be so fascinating. I definitely learned a lot. I do wish that there was more balance in the book. Maybe less in the Pre-Modern era and a little more in the other time periods. Or really she could have just made the book bigger and I'd have loved the extra information.
A History of Magic and Witchcraft by Frances Timbers is a wonderful non fiction book about the history of witches/witchcraft/magic as perceived by our society throughout history. I remember taking an Early Modern History course back in college while getting my degree and finding the areas covering the witch craze by far the most interesting parts. I also thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the topic but still found that I learned quite a few things. Especially about how the 20th century influenced my learning about witches in history. The book while non fiction isn't dry. I hate when history texts are dry. Timbers has a great style. I will say that she has a tendency to repeat some information again and again. But for a novice non fiction reader I think this book is enjoyable. I also loved all the pictures that she placed in the text as well.
The book starts in the classical era and goes through the 21st century. I found this piece to be so fascinating. I definitely learned a lot. I do wish that there was more balance in the book. Maybe less in the Pre-Modern era and a little more in the other time periods. Or really she could have just made the book bigger and I'd have loved the extra information.
March 3, 2020
Is it fair for me to say, we all believe in something? Even if we choose to believe there is no God or any religion of any kind, isn’t that alone a choice and belief? Every culture has their ideals that are passed on generation to generation. This book, A History of Magic and Witchcraft identifies the differences and takes the reader through notions that may never be introduced to them otherwise. Thankfully we have books.
A History of Magic and Witchcraft gets a five star because it is absolutely deserving. An exquisite cover with rich content that is superbly written.
I borrowed my digital copy from Netgalley. This particular title is sold as Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle. I do consider this book to be an incredible reading source. This book would make a wonderful addition to any library.
A History of Magic and Witchcraft feels to me as an explanation of beliefs and where they may have originated from. How people and cultures use religion as a life force. A part of every day life and death. How Gods play a role in culture and with individuals. In their lives and how they may have developed ethics and morals from those beliefs.
To read about Gods and Goddesses, deities and the incredible religious stories many of us have been told all our lives, in this fashion is calming. The information is laid out without hesitation to be reported as history. In comparing one set of beliefs with another highlighting different concepts, cultures and views. Be it true, fiction, fable or myth is for the reader to decide. I wont sell the beauty of this book based on my own personal beliefs. I will say this…it is written so fantastically the reader will want to take in every single word. It is also one to have in a collection to be used as reference or for resource.
A History of Magic and Witchcraft gets a five star because it is absolutely deserving. An exquisite cover with rich content that is superbly written.
I borrowed my digital copy from Netgalley. This particular title is sold as Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle. I do consider this book to be an incredible reading source. This book would make a wonderful addition to any library.
A History of Magic and Witchcraft feels to me as an explanation of beliefs and where they may have originated from. How people and cultures use religion as a life force. A part of every day life and death. How Gods play a role in culture and with individuals. In their lives and how they may have developed ethics and morals from those beliefs.
To read about Gods and Goddesses, deities and the incredible religious stories many of us have been told all our lives, in this fashion is calming. The information is laid out without hesitation to be reported as history. In comparing one set of beliefs with another highlighting different concepts, cultures and views. Be it true, fiction, fable or myth is for the reader to decide. I wont sell the beauty of this book based on my own personal beliefs. I will say this…it is written so fantastically the reader will want to take in every single word. It is also one to have in a collection to be used as reference or for resource.
March 16, 2020
Get a look at the real inside story of the history of Magic and Witchcraft. The many different areas, folklore, and history can be blurred at times - with fiction overtaking fact a lot of the time.
In this book, Frances Timbers goes through everything - the myth, the legends, and the real history behind witchcraft. While Christianity had a huge effect on the practice, driving much of it underground, there were some horror stories that emerged during this time.
King James of England wrote a book on witches, and sadly, many took it to extremes that rocked Europe to its core. Innocent people were put to death over the rumor, and communities turned on each other as they battled to find the "witches" and save themselves in the process. Witchhunters and inquisitors came in, and the issue grew to epic proportions.
This was an amazing book and one that I really enjoyed. I loved reading the different stories, the history, and getting a more full story of what was going on, and why it happened.
In this book, Frances Timbers goes through everything - the myth, the legends, and the real history behind witchcraft. While Christianity had a huge effect on the practice, driving much of it underground, there were some horror stories that emerged during this time.
King James of England wrote a book on witches, and sadly, many took it to extremes that rocked Europe to its core. Innocent people were put to death over the rumor, and communities turned on each other as they battled to find the "witches" and save themselves in the process. Witchhunters and inquisitors came in, and the issue grew to epic proportions.
This was an amazing book and one that I really enjoyed. I loved reading the different stories, the history, and getting a more full story of what was going on, and why it happened.
March 8, 2020
Consider me educated on the "History of Magic and Witchcraft". It turns out that a lot of what I thought I knew is wrong - and I now know why it was wrong too! This book is informative without being at all dry, and I found the whole thing fascinating. From the roots of magic and witchcraft, to the "witch hunts", to the modern day Wiccan, this book clarifies the muddied waters of this subject.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
February 16, 2025
Muy recomendable, una investigación bastante completa que derriba varios mitos alrededor de las brujas y la magia. Revisa estos temas sin prejuicios ni ideas preconcebidas y los analiza en cuanto a clases sociales, historia, género, religión...
Me costó un mundo leerlo, me debo haber demorado al menos 3 meses, pero porque me cuesta mucho leer no ficción, porque el libro es re entretenido la verdad.
Me costó un mundo leerlo, me debo haber demorado al menos 3 meses, pero porque me cuesta mucho leer no ficción, porque el libro es re entretenido la verdad.
December 28, 2024
Saturated. Rich. Revealing.
This nowhere near a light read. But a prolific investment of time.
Offers a rich insight into the origins and creation of religions. It dives deeply into the medival law and justice systems. Tackles the Origins of each sectar of different fraternities and pulls you into a rabbit hole of questions and curiosity. You'll have infinite sources to draw further reading from, you will never stop looking and wondering with Frances Timbers. Highly recommended to a history fanatic.
This nowhere near a light read. But a prolific investment of time.
Offers a rich insight into the origins and creation of religions. It dives deeply into the medival law and justice systems. Tackles the Origins of each sectar of different fraternities and pulls you into a rabbit hole of questions and curiosity. You'll have infinite sources to draw further reading from, you will never stop looking and wondering with Frances Timbers. Highly recommended to a history fanatic.
March 4, 2020
This books takes you through the entire history of witchcraft and magic. It takes you through Ancient Greece & Rome, the Middle Ages. Early Modern Era, the impact of Christianity & pop culture, ceremonial magic & Wicca. It was very informative. This is an excellent book that is perfect for either a reference book or just for someone who is interested in learning more about the topic.
March 2, 2020
A History of Magic and Witchcraft is exactly that - a history of magic and witchcraft throughout the world. It is very well written and easy to follow. I learned some interesting new things I did not know about this topic. It is I believe a book full of information in one place.
If you want to learn about magic and witchcraft or even if you already know about this topic, this is a great book to have as a reference.
Definitely recommend this book.
If you want to learn about magic and witchcraft or even if you already know about this topic, this is a great book to have as a reference.
Definitely recommend this book.
October 17, 2021
What a fascinating find! Especially in the month of October. Some of the information I knew and some I didn't but I loved the way the author wrote the information, the reading was easy and immersive. If anything this book has taught me society is crazy....
Highly recommend it for the month of October or those who are interested in magic and witchcraft!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Highly recommend it for the month of October or those who are interested in magic and witchcraft!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2021
This book is a very detailed history of magic and witchcraft, covering mentions of magicians and scorceresses back to the time of Greek and Roman mythology.
The book covers the evolution of the use of magic, from the time when magic was considered to be harmless charms and the use of healing herbs to devil worship and demonology wherein we get our familiar stereotypes of evil witches out to harm others.
The author also focuses on societal attitudes towards practictioners of magic, and how and why that has changed throughout the centuries. These were generally driven by the eventual wide-spread acceptance of Christianity and influenced by the belief of women as the weaker sex, emotional and susceptible to the influence of evil forces.
This was a very well-researched, academic recounting, full of facts and case studies, as well as ancient text references. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about the origins of magic and witchcraft.
The book covers the evolution of the use of magic, from the time when magic was considered to be harmless charms and the use of healing herbs to devil worship and demonology wherein we get our familiar stereotypes of evil witches out to harm others.
The author also focuses on societal attitudes towards practictioners of magic, and how and why that has changed throughout the centuries. These were generally driven by the eventual wide-spread acceptance of Christianity and influenced by the belief of women as the weaker sex, emotional and susceptible to the influence of evil forces.
This was a very well-researched, academic recounting, full of facts and case studies, as well as ancient text references. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about the origins of magic and witchcraft.
October 5, 2019
What a perfect time of year for a history of witches and witchcraft. I found this book very intriguing. This book presents a different view of witches and the misconceptions about them. The author starts by going back to the ancient Greek mythology where the idea of a witch first appeared. As the book proceeds, she confronts various specific false beliefs and their origins, such as, wild rides in the night, and sexual liaisons with the devil. The material is well researched and presented in a way that makes it approachable for most any reader. If you've been with me a while, you know I love these deep dives into the corners of history and this book was no exception. Fascinating, informative and thought provoking all in one place.
March 25, 2020
A History of Magic and Witchcraft: Sabbats, Satan and Superstitions in the West by Frances Timbers is the type of history book that appeals to both history buffs and those who realize the need to know history in order to impact the future.
There are plenty of histories of magic and witchcraft that simply provide a timeline of events with accepted explanations for those events. Some of them are quite good for what they are. Timbers combines such a history with what the work of history should do, make connections and posit explanations that make as much if not more sense than the accepted ones. Because so much of what we think we know about the subject is actually from propaganda from the time or popular culture from the more recent past, this book has to help us unlearn what we "knew" so we can then learn what is more accurate.
The focus of this book is on the period from the early middle ages to the early modern era. Timbers looks at the history from both on high (those making judgments) and from the working/peasant classes who use and in fact need much of what passed for magic. The prosecutions are reviewed from a legal perspective as well as a cultural one. And gender is examined with respect to both who practiced and who was prosecuted.
Whatever you know and whatever you think you know, this book will add to your understanding of what magic and witchcraft really were, what prosecutions and persecutions really reflected, and how such actions, regardless of the target, serve those in power. Highly recommended for both those interested in the topic itself as well as those who simply want to gain a fuller understanding of witch hunts, both historical and current. And also what isn't, in common usage, a witch hunt but is called such by guilty parties to shift the focus of public opinion.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
There are plenty of histories of magic and witchcraft that simply provide a timeline of events with accepted explanations for those events. Some of them are quite good for what they are. Timbers combines such a history with what the work of history should do, make connections and posit explanations that make as much if not more sense than the accepted ones. Because so much of what we think we know about the subject is actually from propaganda from the time or popular culture from the more recent past, this book has to help us unlearn what we "knew" so we can then learn what is more accurate.
The focus of this book is on the period from the early middle ages to the early modern era. Timbers looks at the history from both on high (those making judgments) and from the working/peasant classes who use and in fact need much of what passed for magic. The prosecutions are reviewed from a legal perspective as well as a cultural one. And gender is examined with respect to both who practiced and who was prosecuted.
Whatever you know and whatever you think you know, this book will add to your understanding of what magic and witchcraft really were, what prosecutions and persecutions really reflected, and how such actions, regardless of the target, serve those in power. Highly recommended for both those interested in the topic itself as well as those who simply want to gain a fuller understanding of witch hunts, both historical and current. And also what isn't, in common usage, a witch hunt but is called such by guilty parties to shift the focus of public opinion.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
May 15, 2025
A fun bit of history and an easy read.
My primary issue with this book is that I'm not quite sure I agree with the author's assessment that historical persecution against witches was not gendered at all. While it is true that men could also be persecuted as witches, the author herself confirms that the Malleus Maleficarum is heavily weighted toward the targeting of women, and also that the symptoms of witchcraft and the societal issues being attacked by its persecution disproportionately effect women. She then later says that it was modern radical feminists in California and neopagans who promoted the erroneous idea that the witch hunts were misogynistic. "Misogyny" does not need to be a malicious rubbing of hands together as men gather to oppress women. Misogyny is the ingrained prejudice against women- and unequal treatment and disproportionate persecution are symptoms of that, if ever there was one.
The author seems to treat modern neopaganism with quite a lot of contempt as well, devoting only a small portion of this history book to over a hundred years of modern development. I don't disagree with some of the sentiments (I'm not a fan of wicca and it is clear the author DRIPS with disdain for it), but there is so much more to neopaganism than radical feminism and dancing barefoot under the full moon while appropriating the world's religions for an altar.
My primary issue with this book is that I'm not quite sure I agree with the author's assessment that historical persecution against witches was not gendered at all. While it is true that men could also be persecuted as witches, the author herself confirms that the Malleus Maleficarum is heavily weighted toward the targeting of women, and also that the symptoms of witchcraft and the societal issues being attacked by its persecution disproportionately effect women. She then later says that it was modern radical feminists in California and neopagans who promoted the erroneous idea that the witch hunts were misogynistic. "Misogyny" does not need to be a malicious rubbing of hands together as men gather to oppress women. Misogyny is the ingrained prejudice against women- and unequal treatment and disproportionate persecution are symptoms of that, if ever there was one.
The author seems to treat modern neopaganism with quite a lot of contempt as well, devoting only a small portion of this history book to over a hundred years of modern development. I don't disagree with some of the sentiments (I'm not a fan of wicca and it is clear the author DRIPS with disdain for it), but there is so much more to neopaganism than radical feminism and dancing barefoot under the full moon while appropriating the world's religions for an altar.
March 13, 2020
This book dives deep into the actual facts of magic and witchcraft, for instance the number of victims compared to the inflated numbers that are now passed around as fact. The actual timeframe rather than the poetic platitude we often hear and ascribe to (middle ages vs. scientific revolution). The book highlights the facts that most of the trials was during the time of Galileo, Descartes, and Bacon. We travel from the priests and priestesses of ancient Egypt to the present in this comprehensive publication from Frances Timbers
This book is extremely comprehensive and absolutely worth a read if you’re a fan of either history or witchcraft. I’ve taken away many facts from this book that I did not know and also was educated about some misconceptions we’ve been taught as facts.
Even though this is a non-fiction book, the writing is not dry, and the story is a fascinating one. It leads you on to more knowledge in such a way that you’re not mad you’re learning it.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who’s a history fan. Even if you think you know all about this topic, I’m here to tell you that you’ll learn something new and enjoy yourself while learning it.
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review
This book is extremely comprehensive and absolutely worth a read if you’re a fan of either history or witchcraft. I’ve taken away many facts from this book that I did not know and also was educated about some misconceptions we’ve been taught as facts.
Even though this is a non-fiction book, the writing is not dry, and the story is a fascinating one. It leads you on to more knowledge in such a way that you’re not mad you’re learning it.
I definitely recommend this book for anyone who’s a history fan. Even if you think you know all about this topic, I’m here to tell you that you’ll learn something new and enjoy yourself while learning it.
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review
March 14, 2020
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in this subject matter. The author provides the reader a solid non-fiction book about the history of witches/witchcraft/magic as perceived by our society throughout history in an understandable manner. From the very roots of witchcraft through the witch hunts of earlier times through the modern day views and concepts, the book takes the reader on an invaluable journey to learn how it all came to be, why it all came to be and how it all fits together. It was fascinating to learn why certain beliefs and events occur and occurred and what the repercussions of they all are. I definitely learned innumerable things I had not known, been taught or figured out on my own, even though some of my conclusions were proven wrong in many ways. This book provides an excellent book for anyone who is interested in the subject or wants to learn more about it all, and the information is all in one place, so there is no need to go searching after other books, articles, etc. No need for deep dives anywhere else. My thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me this handy, useful reference.
May 7, 2020
A History of Magic and Witchcraft is not about cauldrons and jars of insects. This book is an in dept look at how Magic and witchcraft came into being. It is a look at the origins of not only the practices but also the words themselves.
Timbers uncovers the truth behind the nature of our understanding of what magic and witchcraft is. Unlike most books that aim to educate their reader Timber expresses personality in the form of bracketed comments. It made the piece easier to read, like having a friendly discussion with a tutor rather than sitting in a classroom.
It is obvious from the tone of the book that we are digesting this information as people with an understanding of feminism but also equality. (Do not let that F word scare you. It is not about hating men just being equal to them.) If Timber is anything in this book she is vocal about dispelling misconceptions that women were the only ones to suffer during witch trials.
I for one learned so much during my read that it will definitely be a reread. One such thing I discovered was that Gail's Duncan is not just an Outlander character and was a real woman who was tried as a witch. I also found the details of the conversion to Catholicism, particularly that of the Roman Catholic Church interesting.
Timbers uncovers the truth behind the nature of our understanding of what magic and witchcraft is. Unlike most books that aim to educate their reader Timber expresses personality in the form of bracketed comments. It made the piece easier to read, like having a friendly discussion with a tutor rather than sitting in a classroom.
It is obvious from the tone of the book that we are digesting this information as people with an understanding of feminism but also equality. (Do not let that F word scare you. It is not about hating men just being equal to them.) If Timber is anything in this book she is vocal about dispelling misconceptions that women were the only ones to suffer during witch trials.
I for one learned so much during my read that it will definitely be a reread. One such thing I discovered was that Gail's Duncan is not just an Outlander character and was a real woman who was tried as a witch. I also found the details of the conversion to Catholicism, particularly that of the Roman Catholic Church interesting.
April 19, 2020
You know what they say, 'History is written by the winners'. A History of Magic and Witchcraft takes a deeper look at the misnomers, misconceptions, and all-out falsehoods of magic and witchcraft throughout history.
Timbers gives a detailed description of witchcraft and early earth-based practice through an unbiased lens from it's early beginnings to the "witch-craze" or how the witch-hunts began, and through the origins of Modern Wicca and witchcraft practices of today.
This book is very detailed and provides many in-depth stories with historical references and the evolution of practice and belief structures through time. The entire text was well-researched and full of academic and historical text references.
*Just bit of a warning that some of the chapters about witch hunts are bloody and maybe a little gory... so just you know, watch out if you're a bit squeamish.*
I highly recommend for those looking into the origins and historical progression of witchcraft through inception to modern practice.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Timbers gives a detailed description of witchcraft and early earth-based practice through an unbiased lens from it's early beginnings to the "witch-craze" or how the witch-hunts began, and through the origins of Modern Wicca and witchcraft practices of today.
This book is very detailed and provides many in-depth stories with historical references and the evolution of practice and belief structures through time. The entire text was well-researched and full of academic and historical text references.
*Just bit of a warning that some of the chapters about witch hunts are bloody and maybe a little gory... so just you know, watch out if you're a bit squeamish.*
I highly recommend for those looking into the origins and historical progression of witchcraft through inception to modern practice.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
April 22, 2020
Note: Violence is part of this book for those that are sensitive to violence.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.
This is quite a comprehensive historical body of work about Witches and Witchcraft . The author does a remarkable amount of research to introduce the reader of the history back to Greek times forward to European witch hunts to the current beliefs and history in America. I enjoyed such a well rounded view of the cultures, customs and belief systems that got us to where we are today with prejudice still remaining of witches.
The author has included current beliefs and teachings by the Christian church that influence people even today.
I found this a fascinating read as a Witch and look forward to adding it to my library in hard cover. I highly recommend this book for all who have a interest in the history of witchcraft . Very well done to the author.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.
This is quite a comprehensive historical body of work about Witches and Witchcraft . The author does a remarkable amount of research to introduce the reader of the history back to Greek times forward to European witch hunts to the current beliefs and history in America. I enjoyed such a well rounded view of the cultures, customs and belief systems that got us to where we are today with prejudice still remaining of witches.
The author has included current beliefs and teachings by the Christian church that influence people even today.
I found this a fascinating read as a Witch and look forward to adding it to my library in hard cover. I highly recommend this book for all who have a interest in the history of witchcraft . Very well done to the author.
January 31, 2021
Thanks to the publishers, author and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I found this book absolutely riveting and learned so much that I didn't know.
The section on Inquisitions was particularly enlightening and the torture section was adequately horrifying. I also liked the cheeky reference to modern witchcraft's attempted foil on Donald Trump's presidency.
I have read some histories on witchcraft and did believe that the witch hunts in Europe were mainly misogynistic and a reflection of the patriarchal society that women lived in at the time - being a feminist that really got my goat (read the book to get that reference) but I was interested in the theory presented in this book that it was about much more including poverty and superstition.
A great read - highly recommended for readers who want to know more about witchcraft than the middle ages and malleus maleficarum.
The section on Inquisitions was particularly enlightening and the torture section was adequately horrifying. I also liked the cheeky reference to modern witchcraft's attempted foil on Donald Trump's presidency.
I have read some histories on witchcraft and did believe that the witch hunts in Europe were mainly misogynistic and a reflection of the patriarchal society that women lived in at the time - being a feminist that really got my goat (read the book to get that reference) but I was interested in the theory presented in this book that it was about much more including poverty and superstition.
A great read - highly recommended for readers who want to know more about witchcraft than the middle ages and malleus maleficarum.
March 31, 2020
5 shiny stars
As someone who is deeply fascinated by Magic and witchcraft, this book was very informative and satisfying.
What I liked the most was the change of the concepts and definitions of witches and magic throughout generations and cultures, and also how beliefs were formed and enforced by religion
the author provides a lot of explanation about the links and origins of some beliefs and behaviors of witches, such as flying, chanting and calling to the 4 elements. And I have to admit, this changed a lot of misconceptions I had about magic and witchcraft, especially the real reasons behind persecutions and witch hunts.
I Highly recommended it, if you are looking for enlightening about the history of witches.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who is deeply fascinated by Magic and witchcraft, this book was very informative and satisfying.
What I liked the most was the change of the concepts and definitions of witches and magic throughout generations and cultures, and also how beliefs were formed and enforced by religion
the author provides a lot of explanation about the links and origins of some beliefs and behaviors of witches, such as flying, chanting and calling to the 4 elements. And I have to admit, this changed a lot of misconceptions I had about magic and witchcraft, especially the real reasons behind persecutions and witch hunts.
I Highly recommended it, if you are looking for enlightening about the history of witches.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2025
Nonfiction covering the history of how witches has been theorized and culturally conceived, starting in Ancient Greece and Rome and going all the way up to modern Wicca. However, the bulk of the book is focused on the witch trials of the early modern period.
I gotta be honest: the title and cover made me expect a bathroom book – the sort of thing that you can open to any page, read a few interesting and gory historical occurrences, and then put back down without having gained any deep insight. But no! This is actually an incredibly well-researched, analyzed, and up-to-date book, one of the very best I've found on the witchcraft trials. Timbers is an academic and that clearly shows in her knowledge and understanding of the topic, but she writes in an engaging way that's easily accessible to the general reader.
Extremely highly recommended.
I gotta be honest: the title and cover made me expect a bathroom book – the sort of thing that you can open to any page, read a few interesting and gory historical occurrences, and then put back down without having gained any deep insight. But no! This is actually an incredibly well-researched, analyzed, and up-to-date book, one of the very best I've found on the witchcraft trials. Timbers is an academic and that clearly shows in her knowledge and understanding of the topic, but she writes in an engaging way that's easily accessible to the general reader.
Extremely highly recommended.
October 22, 2024
A fascinating, fact-based look at the true history of the origins and persecutions of historical "witchcraft" and the impact on the invention of modern Wicca and witchcraft. Surprisingly easy to read, Timbers' writing drew me in and put me in the times and places long ago when people (often but not always women, usually outcasts or destitute, almost always in conflict with the accuser) were accused, investigated, tortured and sometimes executed for this nebulous, church-defined "crime." I liked how Timbers pointed out the areas of modern misconception and then explained the reality. The last chapter on modern witchcraft was also interesting, especially on the sources for much of the typical theory, rites and rituals.
March 13, 2020
An interesting and well-researched book covering the history of witchcraft from its origins into today, this made for a fascinating read. It touches on many of the most notable historical cases, but leaves some pieces of information out (although I will be the first to say that I am aware it is virtually impossible to cover all facets of witchcraft). I would have appreciated a bit more of an in-depth look at the way that present practice manifests, as well as information on deities, equipment, etc. However, this was an interesting read that provides a marvellous starting place for those wanting to know the history of witchcraft.
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