Witchcraft in the Middle Ages

by Russell, Jeffrey Burton

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Title Statements

Full title :Witchcraft in the Middle Ages / Jeffrey Burton Russell.

Summary

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.

Edition Statements

Publication Date:1972

Publication Statements

Publisher(s):Cornell University Press
Place of Publication:Ithaca, N.Y
Language:eng
Publication Date:1972

The Physical Object

Description:ix, 394 pages ; : 23 cm

Edition Identifiers

ISBN:0801406978, 9780801406973, 0801492890, 9780801492891
oclc:ocm00246888
LC Classification:BF1569
Dewey Decimal:914/.03/1

Subjects

Europe, Western -- History -- 476-1492 Festschriften Geschichte 400-1500 Hekserij Hexenglaube History Magic -- history Middle Ages Sorcellerie -- Histoire Superstitions -- history Witchcraft Witchcraft -- history Witchcraft -- History -- Europe