The Routledge History of Witchcraft

The Routledge History of Witchcraft is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of the belief in witches from antiquity to the present day, covering the entire breadth of the history, from Ancient Greece to modern pagans. It examines differing concepts of witchcraft and their historical, literary, religious, and anthropological origin and development, and is divided into four chronological parts. It is essential reading for students and academics interested in the history of witchcraft.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 422 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge History of Witchcraft is a thorough and multifaceted exploration of the belief in witches from ancient times to the present, offering both an introductory guide to the subject and a comprehensive overview of the ongoing debates surrounding it. Spanning the entirety of the history of witchcraft, this extensive collection encompasses the witches of Ancient Greece, medieval demonology, the victims of witch hunts, and the contemporary resurgence of paganism. Drawing upon the expertise of an international team of authors, the book delves into diverse concepts of witchcraft that persist in society, shedding light on their historical, literary, religious, and anthropological origins and developments. It also examines the ways in which this belief has been reflected and adapted in art and popular culture.

The volume is structured into four chronological parts, beginning with Antiquity and the Middle Ages in Part One, moving on to Early Modern witch hunts in Part Two, exploring modern notions of witchcraft in Part Three, and concluding with an examination of witchcraft and the arts in Part Four. Within each chapter, the reader is presented with a unique portrayal of the witch, showcasing the diverse manifestations of this mythical figure across different historical contexts.

By extensively referencing a wealth of texts and case studies, as well as covering a broad geographical range, The Routledge History of Witchcraft provides an indispensable resource for students and scholars interested in delving into the rich tapestry of witchcraft history.

Weight: 756g
Dimension: 175 x 246 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032082615