Witch hunts in the western world : persecution and punishment from the inquisition through the Salem trials

Author(s)

    • Pavlac, Brian Alexander

Bibliographic Information

Witch hunts in the western world : persecution and punishment from the inquisition through the Salem trials

Brian A. Pavlac

Greenwood Press, 2009

Available at  / 2 libraries

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Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [207]-210) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

This comprehensive resource explores the intersection of religion, politics, and the supernatural that spawned the notorious witch hunts in Europe and the New World. Witch Hunts in the Western World: Persecution and Punishment from the Inquisition through the Salem Trials traces the evolution of western attitudes towards magic, demons, and religious nonconformity from the Roman Empire through the Age of Enlightenment, placing these chilling events into a wider social and historical context. Witch hunts are discussed in eight narrative chapters by region, highlighting the cultural differences of the people who incited them as well as the key reforms, social upheavals, and intellectual debates that shaped European thought. Vivid accounts of trials and excerpts from the writings of both witch hunters and defenders throughout the Holy Roman Empire, France, the British Isles and colonies, Southern Europe, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe bring to life one of the most intriguing and shocking periods in Western history. This in-depth and comprehensive resource explores the intersection of religion, politics, and the supernatural that spawned the notorious witch hunts in Europe and the New World. Witch Hunts in the Western World traces the evolution of western attitudes towards magic, demons, and religious nonconformity from the Roman Empire through the Age of Enlightenment, placing these chilling events into a wider social and historical context. Witch hunts are discussed in fascinating detail by region, highlighting the cultural differences of the people who incited them as well as the key reforms, social upheavals, and intellectual debates that shaped European thought. Vivid accounts of trials and excerpts from the writings of both witch hunters and defenders throughout the Holy Roman Empire, France, the British Isles and colonies, Southern Europe, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe bring to life one of the most intriguing and shocking periods in Western history. Accessible narrative chapters make this a fascinating volume for general readers while offering a wealth of historic information for students and scholars. Features include a complete glossary of terms, timeline of major events, recommended reading selections, index, and black and white illustrations.

Table of Contents

Preface Chronology Chapter One: An Introduction to the Witch Hunts Chapter Two: Medieval Origins of the Witch Hunts Chapter Three: Witch Hunting in the Holy Roman Empire Chapter Four: The Witch Hunts in France Chapter Five: Witch Hunting in the British Realms Chapter Six: Witch Hunting in Southern Europe Chapter Seven: Witch Hunting in Northern and Eastern Europe Chapter Eight: Beyond the Witch Hunts Glossary Selected Bibliography

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Details

  • NCID
    BA91559807
  • ISBN
    • 9780313348730
  • LCCN
    2008040910
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Westport, Conn.
  • Pages/Volumes
    xx, 228 p., [16] p. of plates
  • Size
    24 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
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