Why have societies all across the world feared witchcraft? This book delves deeply into its context, beliefs, and origins in Europe's history. The witch came to prominence-and often a painful death-in early modern Europe, yet her origins are much more geographically diverse and historically deep. In this landmark book, historian Ronald Hutton traces witchcraft from the ancient world to the early-modern stake.
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Detail
Author: Ronald Hutton
Format: Paperback
Size: 128 mm x 198 mm
Pages: 360
Staff Review
Ronald Hutton’s ‘The Witch’ tells you everything you always wanted to know about the relationship between fear and the definition of the witch that was driving it. This in-depth account of witches, both male and female, across the world, throughout history, will leave you enchanted.
The witch is well and truly ingrained in history as not only a belief, but as real people to whom supernatural events have been attributed to. Ronald Hutton details not only the myth but gives examples of the real people who suffered at the hands of the prejudices that cultures across the world hold towards those labelled witch.
I most enjoyed reading this book and applying examples of the witch and their powers to modern day books and films. This book has given me a better understanding of how we continue to interpret the witch in modern day. I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in witches and history, although the book isn’t one you can whip through in one sitting, it is enjoyable from start to finish and well worth the effort!
Reviewed by Jennifer (Ecommerce Coordinator)
