Witchcraft in Europe, 1100-1700 by Alan C. & Edward Peters Kors - 1973

J.M. Dent and Sons Ltd, London, 1973. First Edition. Hardcover (Original Cloth). Near Fine Condition/Near Fine. brown end-papers illustrated in black; to the font contents list; illustrations & editors' introduction with notes. The awed respect paid among distant peoples everywhere to shamans, witch-doctors and others claiming extraordinary powers has long been accepted as a cultural fact. But the appearance of such men and women within the Christian West itself has always caused deep consternation, and often violent response. These documents-many here published for the first time in English-report, in the words of contemporaries, the rise and fall of the wave of witchcraft that swept Europe between the 11th and 18th centuries, and the ways in which the European mind struggled to deal with it. Fire and sword were not the only means used to control witchcraft. The best minds in the West, too, found themselves compelled to deal with the problem. Thomas Aquinas, Luther, Calvin; Jean Bodin, ‘father of political science’; popes and kings, thinkers like Montaigne, Spinoza, Thomas Hobbes, and Glanvil - these and many others are cited here at length, in their often conflicting but always reasonable views. Here also are trial records, and inquisitors' reports of satanic practices; eye-witness statements and witches' confessions; halting tales told by rustics trembling with fear of the dark powers; and such human documents as a letter to his. child written from prison by Johannes Junius, burgomaster of Bamberg and confessed sorcerer, or a confidential letter from the exorcist of Loudun, telling how his “combat with four of the most powerful and malicious demons of Hell" carried him to the brink of damnation. Size: 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. viii + 382. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. Dust Jacket is in as new condition, apart from normal shop shelf wear - contains no tears or chips or other damage. Price clipped inside book. Black titles spine. illustrated by b/w. drawings & photo's.. Includes index of illustrations. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: 1-2 kilos. Category: Magic, Paranormal & Occult; Witchcraft; Wicca; History of Witchcraft ; History. ISBN: 0460041282. ISBN/EAN: 9780460041287. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 4184. . 9780460041287