Witchcraft in the Middle Ages

by Jeffrey Burton Russell

All the known theories and incidents of witchcraft in Western Europe from the fifth to the fifteenth century are brilliantly set forth in this engaging and comprehensive history. Building on a foundation of newly discovered primary sources and recent secondary interpretations, Professor Russell first establishes the facts and then explains the phenomenon of witchcraft in terms of its social and religious environment, particularly in relation to medieval heresies. He treats European witchcraft as a product of Christianity, grounded in heresy more than in the magic and sorcery that have existed in other societies. Skillfully blending narration with analysis, he shows how social and religious changes nourished the spread of witchcraft until large portions of medieval Europe were in its grip―"from the most illiterate peasant to the most skilled philosopher or scientist." A significant chapter in the history of ideas and their repression is illuminated by this book. Our growing fascination with the occult gives the author's affirmation that witchcraft arises at times and in areas afflicted with social tensions a special quality of immediacy.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, Witches, Witchcraft, Occult, Religion

414 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Jeffrey Burton Russell was an American historian of medieval Europe and religious studies scholar.

Reviews

[Äsruþr Cyneaþsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great study from Russell. Starting with the eleventh century, Russell traces the development of witchcraft through to the commencement of the Early Modern period and the peak of the witch-hunts. Essential reading for those interested in witchcraft as Russell identifies the roots of the core notions, including the Sabbat and familiars, whilst dismissing any notion of witchcraft as the continuation of a pagan fertility cult in favour of a focus upon the core aspects of heresy and antinomianism which were at the core of witchcraft in the Early Modern period. A fantastic piece of work from Russell.

[Amalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a nice overview of medieval heretics. It is divided into several chapters that deal with early, middle, and late phases of the Middle Ages. My focus was the High Middle Ages but I read the whole.

The book records to a point just before the insanity and slaughter of the 14th and 15th centuries, from 300 to 1480 a.d. meaning this book stops short just before the classic "witch craze" of the Renaissance.

The PROBLEM of this book is, somethings Jeffrey Russell says are contradictory. He readily quote ancient sources on paganistic practices then rejects the ancient historians opinion on what they witnessed. So it's a bad conclusion I can't completely agree with.

[mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of the origins, development, prosecutions, and persecutions of witchcraft and those accused of practicing it from the earliest years of the Middle Ages through the 15th century. While it is, at times, merely dry, repeated recitations of the accusations against witches, Russell builds a compelling case that it was heresy and not folklore nor the Inquisition itself that drove the ever increasing popularity of witchcraft in general and prosecuting people as witches in particular. Despite the confluence of the title and being in my 50s when I read this, at no point did this turn into a self-help book.

[Andrew Staples · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting but rather dated look at medieval witchcraft, which attributes the phenomenon to Satanic, or at least anti-church, sentiment.

Definitely not the last word on the subject, but worth reading.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. Russell examines the various pagan practices and heretical movements that were labeled "witchcraft" by the church and the general public, and how these gave rise to popular legends about witches, from black cats to flying on broomsticks. He covers quite a bit of history too, starting in the year 300 and going all the way up to about 1500.

[Ned Leffingwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well written sociological explanation of the witchcraft phenomena in Europe in the Middle Ages. The author shows how pagan beliefs and superstitions were amalgamated during a time a rapid social change and in turn influenced by various heretical movements. Recommended for those doing research on this topic.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could, I'd rate this book somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. There were more and less interesting parts. I was more curious about the "why" than about who did what and when. And there were less whys. But the "whats" were quite amusing as well - I learned about various crazy witch beliefs, like kissing the anus of a cat, or having sex with a goat.

[Bradford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is for the historian rather than the wiccan. It's a useful reference to look up the cultural origins of modern time creepies. Turns out real world witch-burning wasn't as glamorous as Buffy flashbacks would have us believe.

[Seeing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many other works on this subject, and this is still my favorite book. He treats this subject with great care, and attention to details. Absolutely fascinating. I also enjoyed his works on The Devil, but this one is still my favorite.

[Rinstinkt · Rating 3 out of 5]

So so...

[Alexandra Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Hildegart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is nothing to write home about. It never really 'spoke' to me and so it was a struggle to make it through the book.

[Δx Δp ≥ ½ ħ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan para 'penyihir' yang dibakar di tiang gantunngan seringnya laki-laki....

[Vallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since so much "Goth/Magick" culture is medieval-based, this book provides a thorough cultural background. Adds depth to my spells };)!

[larissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit outdated, but good