Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine, 1000-1900: A Sourcebook

This sourcebook provides a comprehensive overview of witchcraft laws and trials in Russia and Ukraine from medieval times to the late nineteenth century, featuring scholarly commentary, primary source materials, and new analyses of legal systems, church-state relations, and political relations.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 540 pages
\n Publication date: 15 November 2020
\n Publisher: Cornell University Press
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This comprehensive sourcebook offers the first systematic exploration of witchcraft laws and trials in Russia and Ukraine spanning from medieval times to the late nineteenth century. Crafting a rich tapestry of scholarly commentary and meticulously translated primary source materials from Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian, Witchcraft in Russia and Ukraine,1000–1900 unveils a captivating chronicle of witchcraft and sorcery. These sources, including the earliest references to witchcraft and sorcery, secular and religious laws governing witchcraft and possession, comprehensive trial transcripts, and a treasure trove of magical spells, provide a profound insight into the daily lives of individuals and the extraordinary potency of magical words.

Editors Valerie A. Kivelson and Christine D. Worobec have skillfully compiled this invaluable resource, presenting fresh analyses of the functioning and development of legal systems, the intricate interplay between church and state, and the pragmatic concerns of the women and men involved in witchcraft proceedings. The extended documentary commentaries further delve into the evolving boundaries and fraught political relations between Russia and Ukraine, shedding light on the complex and interconnected historical dynamics that shaped this region.

This comprehensive sourcebook is a testament to the enduring fascination with witchcraft and its profound impact on societies throughout history. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of legal systems, religious dynamics, and the social and political complexities of the past. By delving into the rich tapestry of historical evidence presented herein, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of this fascinating period in Russian and Ukrainian history.

\n Weight: 1034g\n
Dimension: 178 x 255 x 33 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781501750656\n \n