Reviews for The witch : a history of fear, from ancient times to present

Library Journal
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In this comprehensive study of the factors leading to the European witch hunts of the late Middle Ages and early modern era, Hutton (history; Univ. of Bristol; Pagan Britain) draws upon research in history, anthropology, and folklore studies to pinpoint the characteristics of the typical witch figure and to identify global occurrences of the archetype. The author then narrows his focus to Europe and the Near East, tracing factors over time that contributed to the development of a widespread fear of satanic witches believed to threaten both the safety of local communities and the stability of the Christian faith. Cultural traditions of nocturnal female demons combined with a criticism of elite ceremonial magic to create this concept, which Hutton identifies as the primary catalyst for the vicious persecutions that spread across the continent beginning in the late Middle Ages. Particularly fascinating are Hutton's findings regarding the lack of a strong fear of witches in the Celtic areas of Britain, where an enduring belief in fairies diverted the blame for uncanny misfortunes away from practitioners of alchemy. -VERDICT Highly recommended for readers interested in witch trials, European folklore, and the history of magical beliefs and -practices.-Sara Shreve, Newton, KS © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.


Choice
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.

Cursed with an unfortunate subtitle, this book is not a history in the strictest sense. Instead, it places early modern European witch hunts in their cultural, historical, and geographical contexts, addressing common questions and misconceptions. Historian Hutton (Univ. of Bristol, UK) begins with a survey of anthropological literature on witches, the methodology behind which remains unexplained, then proceeds to the witch hunts of antiquity in various settings. Potential causes of European witch beliefs, including shamanistic survivals, learned ceremonial magic, and folk beliefs in nocturnal processions, are followed through the medieval era to the trials themselves, which receive short shrift. Hutton rounds out the book with chapters on the links between fairies and witchcraft in Britain, the possible effects of "Celtic" cultures on accusation patterns, and the role of familiars in witch trials. Those interested in a more detailed look at the famous European hunts themselves should consult Brian Levack's The Oxford Handbook of Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe and Colonial America (CH, Nov'13, 51-1631) or Julian Goodare's The European Witch-Hunt (CH, Apr'17, 54-3944). Hutton's own The Triumph of the Moon (CH, Nov'00, 38-1508) covers the rediscovery or creation of modern paganism. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. --Daniel Harms, State University of New York College at Cortland

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