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The one authoritative concise illustrated history of witchcraft
Overview
For nearly thirty years, during which it has been continuously in print, Jeffrey Russell’s A History of Witchcraft has been the one authoritative concise illustrated history of witchcraft.
Now, in collaboration with Brooks Alexander, who has conducted innovative researches in the field, this classic book has been fully revised with new chapters and illustrations.
Whether or not one believes in the powers of witchcraft, one must believe in the existence of witches. Here the definition of witchcraft in its many diverse forms is discussed and its historical, anthropological and religious manifestations charted from its origins through to the present day.
The book now includes an analysis of the importance of the Internet and films in the dissemination of witchcraft and the potential tensions as a movement that was originally a closed, secretive, initiatory cult becomes an open, public religion.
Reviews
'Serious, well argued ... Russell’s book is rich, competently written and intelligently illustrated'
Sunday Times
'Disentangles semantic confusions and vulgar misconceptions, and traces traditions from the pagan world through the medieval heresy hunts and the witch crazes of the 16th and 17th centuries and to the present day'
Guardian
'Good stuff … a useful classic updated for witchcraft aficionados'
Fortean Times
Product Information
Book Details
Format: Paperback
Edition Type: New Edition
Size: 23.8 x 17.1 cm
Extent: 216 pp
Illustrations: 105
Publication date: 2 April 2007
ISBN: 9780500286340
Contents List
Preface • Introduction: What is a witch? Part I: Sorcery and Historical Witchcraft – 1. Sorcery • 2. The Roots of European Witchcraft • 3. Witchcraft, Heresy and Inquisition • 4. The Witch-craze on the Continent of Europe • 5. Witchcraft in Britain and America • 6. Witchcraft and Society • 7. The Decline of Witchcraft Part II: Modern Witchcraft • 8. Survivals and Revivals • 9. Neopagan Witchcraft: The Sources • 10. Neopagan Witchcraft: The Movement • 11. The Role of Witchcraft
About the Author
Jeffrey B. Russell is Professor of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Brooks Alexander is author of Witchcraft Goes Mainstream and has written numerous articles on witchcraft, neo-paganism and other new religious movements.
Brooks Alexander is author of Witchcraft Goes Mainstream and has written numerous articles on witchcraft, neo-paganism and other new religious movements.
