The history of witchcraft and demonology is a complex and fascinating subject that dates back centuries. Throughout history, belief in witchcraft and the existence of demons has been prevalent in various cultures around the world. Witchcraft, often associated with the practice of magic and the use of supernatural powers, can be traced back to ancient times. In many early societies, witchcraft was seen as a way to harness the natural forces of the world for both good and evil purposes. Witchcraft was often deeply connected to religious and spiritual beliefs, and those who practiced it were seen as having a special connection to the divine. In Europe, the perception of witchcraft began to change during the Middle Ages.
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st edition. ~Original blue cloth gilt, gilt coin to front board, fresh and unfaded. Top edges slightly toned. Robert H. Thouless' copy with his signature and his review attached to inside front board. Small blemish to front board. ~Robust packaging. Overseas tracking available on request. Size: xv, 353pp., 8 illus. 15 x 24cm. No dustwrapper. Binding sound, text unmarked.
An intriguing perspective on the development of the black arts and their heretical interpretations by society, church, and state, The History of Witchcraft and Demonology will capture the attention of the general reader as well as the occult enthusiast. Threaded with dramatic accounts of witch trials and devil s pacts, this time-tested reference offers a compelling look at The Worship of the Witch, Demons and Familiars, the Sabbat, and Diabolic Possession and Modern Spiritism.
In Europe, the perception of witchcraft began to change during the Middle Ages. As Christianity spread throughout the region, the Church actively sought to suppress and demonize the practice of witchcraft. This led to a widespread persecution of suspected witches and the infamous witch-hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries.
The History of Witchcraft and Demonology (Dover Occult)
Vividly detailed and highly readable, this classic history of witchcraft and demonology provides a thorough exploration of sorcery, Satanism, and every variety of the black arts. Reflecting popular folklore and theological opinions of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods, this survey of necromancy traces witchcraft from ancient times to the twentieth century, describing the link between heresy and the occult. Threaded with dramatic accounts of witch trials and devil's pacts, this time-tested reference offers a compelling look at The Worship of the Witch, Demons and Familiars, the Sabbat, and Diabolic Possession and Modern Spiritism. It also offers fascinating insight into the role of the Witch in Dramatic Literature.
A prolific occult historian, Montague Summers wrote numerous books, and he edited and translated such important early demonology and witchcraft texts as the Malleus Maleficarum. An intriguing perspective on the development of the black arts and their heretical interpretations by society, church, and state, The History of Witchcraft and Demonology will capture the attention of the general reader as well as the occult enthusiast. Eight meticulously reproduced illustrations from the original publication are included in this unabridged edition.
Thousands of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft and subjected to torture and execution. These witch trials played a significant role in shaping the history and understanding of witchcraft. Demonology, on the other hand, refers to the study of demons and their activities. Demons have long been a part of religious and mythological beliefs across different cultures. In many traditions, demons are seen as malevolent supernatural beings who carry out the bidding of a higher evil power. They are often associated with possession, temptation, and the corruption of the innocent. The study of demonology gained prominence in Europe during the medieval and early modern periods, particularly in connection with the witch trials. Demonologists, such as Heinrich Kramer and James VI of Scotland, published influential works that fueled the belief in witchcraft and demons. These texts provided guidelines for identifying and dealing with witches and demons, perpetuating the fear and hysteria surrounding them. However, as scientific and rational thinking began to take hold in society, belief in witchcraft and demons gradually declined. The Enlightenment period of the 18th century saw a shift towards a more rational and skeptical approach to supernatural phenomena. The world became less enchanted, and people became less inclined to attribute misfortunes and illnesses to the activities of witches and demons. Today, the history of witchcraft and demonology is viewed through a different lens. While modern society largely dismisses the existence of witches and demons as superstition, the historical significance of these belief systems cannot be denied. The study of witchcraft and demonology allows us to understand the fears, beliefs, and cultural dynamics of past societies. It reveals the power of human imagination and the impact that these beliefs had on the lives of individuals throughout history..
Reviews for "The Witchcraft Hysteria of the 20th Century"
1. John - 2/5 stars: I was really disappointed with "History of witchcraft and demonology". The book promised to delve into the fascinating world of witches and demons, but it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was dry and monotone, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Additionally, I found that the information presented was quite superficial, lacking depth and exploration. Overall, this book failed to captivate me and left me wanting more.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars: I couldn't finish reading "History of witchcraft and demonology" because I found it extremely disorganized and confusing. The author jumped from one topic to another without any clear structure, making it difficult to follow the narrative. Moreover, the book seemed to rely on outdated and unreliable sources, which made me question the credibility of the information presented. I expected a comprehensive and well-researched exploration of the subject, but instead got a poorly executed and chaotic mess.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars: While "History of witchcraft and demonology" had the potential to be an interesting read, it ultimately fell short due to a lack of critical analysis. The author simply presented various historical accounts without providing any thoughtful interpretation or examination of the facts. This made the book feel more like a collection of anecdotes rather than a scholarly exploration of the topic. I was left wanting more in-depth analysis and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
4. Emily - 2/5 stars: As someone who has a strong interest in witchcraft and demonology, I was disappointed in the lack of new information presented in this book. "History of witchcraft and demonology" simply rehashed well-known stories and facts that can be easily found through a simple online search. I was hoping for some fresh insights or lesser-known details to enhance my knowledge, but unfortunately, this book offered nothing new or groundbreaking. Overall, I found it to be a repetitive and unoriginal read.
5. David - 1/5 stars: I found "History of witchcraft and demonology" to be poorly written and riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. It was evident that the book lacked proper editing, which greatly affected my reading experience. The constant mistakes and poor grammar made it difficult to take the information presented seriously. I expected a professionally written and polished book, but instead, I was met with a sloppy and amateurish effort. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted exploration of witchcraft and demonology.