The Discovery of Witches: A Study of Master Matthew Hopkins Commonly Called Witch Finder General 1647

by Montague Summers

""The Discovery of Witches"" is a historical study written by Montague Summers, which delves into the life and work of Master Matthew Hopkins, a notorious figure in 17th century England who was known as the Witch Finder General. The book explores the methods and practices of Hopkins, who claimed to possess the ability to identify and prosecute witches, and examines the impact of his work on the people and culture of the time. Summers draws on a wide range of historical sources, including trial records and contemporary accounts, to provide a comprehensive and insightful portrait of this fascinating and controversial figure. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of witchcraft and the cultural and social context in which it emerged.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Occult, History, Research

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Augustus Montague Summers was an Anglican priest and later convert to Roman Catholicism known primarily for his scholarly work on the English drama of the 17th century, as well as for his studies on witches, vampires, and werewolves, in all of which he professed to believe. He was responsible for the first English translation, published in 1928, of the notorious 15th-century witch hunter's manual, the Malleus Maleficarum.

Reviews

[Matal “The Mischling Princess” Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Montague Summers’ “The Discovery of Witches: A Study of Master Matthew Hopkins commonly call’d Witch Finder Generall,” the author criticizes Hopkins severely, which Hopkins deserved. Summers disparaged Hopkins because the latter hadn’t bothered to reference, or even read,

“…the works of great demonologists…” (p. 25)

I suspect, however, that Summers was more perturbed that Hopkins was a Puritan, but this is no surprise given Summers’ staunch Catholicism. Still, it seemed a bit odd given that both men were compulsively obsessed with people they believed to be witches.

Hopkins, a self-styled ‘Witch Finder’, relied on interrogation using sleep deprivation; the identification of witch’s marks, namely supernumerary nipples; slander by neighbors and other associates; and dunking in order to identify practitioners of witchcraft.

While I don’t particularly like Summers or his tone, what I do like about this book is that it includes a reprint of the 1647 edition of Hopkins’ “A Discovery of Witchcraft.”

Hopkins uses a question-answer format where he tries to, quite unsuccessfully, quash any dissent from his practice. For example, one reasonable question that people had at the time centered on why the ‘Devil’—a spirit that doesn’t need sustenance—would need to suckle on a witch’s breast in the first place. Hopkins lamely responds that the ‘Devil’ suckles in order to,

“…aggravate the Witches damnation, and to put her in mind of her Covenant…” (p. 54)

with him. It’s important to remember that even in the days of witch hysteria, there were people with enough common sense to ask questions like this, eventually forcing Hopkins to ‘retire’ at the tender age of 27–the same year that he died. Yes! He was ONLY 24 years old when he began to murder people. Even nutty Summers had to acknowledge that Hopkins’

“…motive was vilest lust for gains, and this swept both innocent and guilty alike into his net…” (p. 47).

This book was short and easy to read and will continue to be of importance to anyone interested in the history of witchcraft.

[Kara]

The book adds to the typical witch-hunt history book by showing not only were people accused of witchcraft, but how people would claim to be witches, as just another way of doing business.

[Fiona Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely rivetting. I would LOVE to know the truth of what really occurred during this time, and the injustices carried out against women because of a simple mis-translation of a Biblical passage. Some of it was positively creepy, too, especially when one witches familiars were said to appear to at least 10 people, and with names such as Pyewackett, Vinegar Tom etc! Very, very creepy, either way.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book blows. Don't be fooled. Please trust me.