Description
Book SynopsisConsiders the general course and significance of the European witch craze of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
Trade Review"In all, Klaits has done a good job. Avoiding the scandalous and sensational, he has maintained throughout, with sensitivity and economy, an awareness of the uniqueness of the theories and persecutions that have fascinated scholars now for two decades and are unlikely to lose their appeal in the foreseeable future." American Historical Review "This is a commendable synthesis whose time has come... Fascinating ... " The Sixteenth Century Journal " ... Comprehensive and clearly written ... An excellent book ... " Choice "Impeccable research and interpretation stand behind this scholarly but not stultifying account ... " Booklist "A good, solid, general treatment ... " Erik Midelfort "Servants of Satan is a well written, easy to read book, and the bibliography is a good source of secondary materials for further reading." Journal of American Folklore
Table of ContentsPreface IX
Introduction I
1. The Witchcraft Enigma – 8
2. Medieval Witches - 19
3. Sexual Politics and Religious Reform in the Witch Craze - 48
4. Classic Witches: The Beggar and Midwife - 86
5. Classic Accusers: The Possessed - 104
6. In the Torture Chamber: Legal Reform and Psychological Breakdown - 128
7. An End to Witch Hunting - 159
Notes - 177
Bibliography - 196
Index - 207
