Witchcraft and Magic in Sixteenth- and Seventeenth-Century Europe by Geoffrey Scarre and John Callow is a concise and authoritative introduction to the history of witchcraft beliefs and practices in early modern Europe.
Part of the respected Studies in European History, this volume examines the social, religious, and intellectual contexts that gave rise to widespread fear of witchcraft and the persecution of alleged witches.
The book explores:
The development of witchcraft beliefs
The role of the Church and state in witch trials
Popular magic and folk practices
The European witch hunts and their causes
The decline of belief in witchcraft
Written in a clear and accessible academic style, this title will appeal to readers interested in:
Early modern European history
Witchcraft, magic, and superstition
Religious and social history
The history of persecution and belief systems
Ideal for students and general readers alike, this book provides a balanced and well-researched overview of a complex and often misunderstood period.