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Witchcraft

By Gaskill, Malcolm (Reader in Early Modern History, University of East Anglia)

Witchcraft Philosophy

Witchcraft

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Description
Examines the history and origins of witchcraft, from pre-history to the present day, considering why it still features so heavily in our culture Considers the classic period (1500-1900) of Witchcraft trials, and witch-hunting, such as the infamous Salem panic of 1692 Relates concepts of witchcraft to anthropology, sociology, psychology, and politics Challenges false assumptions about witchcraft by separating the myths from the historical reality, explaining why the myths exist, and why they matter Features stories and interesting examples of witchcraft from different times, places, and contexts Witchcraft is a subject that fascinates us all, and everyone knows what a witch is - or do they? From childhood most of us develop a sense of the mysterious, malign person, usually an old woman. Historically, too, we recognize witch-hunting as a feature of pre-modern societies. But why do witches still feature so heavily in our cultures and consciousness? From Halloween to superstitions, and literary references such as Faust and even Harry Potter, witches still feature heavily in our society. In this Very Short Introduction Malcolm Gaskill challenges all of this, and argues that what we think we know is, in fact, wrong. Taking a historical perspective from the ancient world to contemporary paganism, Gaskill reveals how witchcraft has meant different things to different people and that in every age it has raised questions about the distinction between fantasy and reality, faith and proof. Telling stories, delving into court records, and challenging myths, Gaskill examines the witch-hunts of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and explores the reinvention of witchcraft - as history, religion, fiction, and metaphor.
Product details
Binding:
Paperback
Edition:
illustrated
Number of Pages:
160
Release Date:
2010-05-20
Publication Date:
2010-05-20
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Languages:
Original: English
ISBN10:
019923695X
ISBN13:
9780199236954
GPSR Manufacturer Reference:
[email protected]
Weight:
145 g
Height:
112 cm
Width:
173 cm
Thickness:
15 cm

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Good
The items bear minimal signs of past use, such as light scratches or memories in the form of markings. These signs of wear give the items a charming character and tell stories of their previous owners, while not affecting their functionality.
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