Instruments of Darkness: Witchcraft in England 1550–1750 is a definitive study of witchcraft in early modern England by historian James Sharpe.
This book explores how fear of witchcraft shaped society, law, and religion during the Tudor and Stuart periods. Covering infamous witch trials, village accusations, and the cultural anxieties of the age, Sharpe provides a deeply researched account of how belief in magic and the supernatural influenced English life for two centuries.
Drawing from court records, sermons, pamphlets, and folklore, Sharpe shows how witchcraft accusations reflected wider concerns about gender, authority, and social order. It remains one of the most important academic works on the subject, balancing rigorous scholarship with accessible writing.
This second-hand edition is perfect for readers of witchcraft history, early modern studies, folklore, and the history of religion.
Details:
Author: James Sharpe
Title: Instruments of Darkness: Witchcraft in England 1550–1750
Condition: Good – light cover wear, clean pages, firm binding
Format: Paperback
Publisher:Penguin
Publication Year: 1996
ISBN: 9780140146676
An essential study of England’s witchcraft trials and beliefs, revealing the dark side of early modern society.
