The Witch: A History of Fear, From Ancient Times to the Present by Ronald Hutton ISBN 9780300229042, 0300229046 instant download

The Witch: A History of Fear, From Ancient Times to the Present by Ronald Hutton ISBN 9780300229042, 0300229046 instant download

Why have societies all across the world feared witchcraft? This book delves deeply into its context, beliefs, & origins in Europe’s history. The witch came to prominence—and often a painful death—in early modern Europe, yet her origins are much more geographically diverse & historically deep. In this landmark book, Ronald Hutton traces witchcraft from the ancient world to the early-modern stake.This book sets the notorious European witch trials in the widest & deepest possible perspective & traces the major historiographical developments of witchcraft. Hutton, a renowned expert on ancient, medieval, & modern paganism & witchcraft beliefs, combines Anglo-American & continental scholarly approaches to examine attitudes on witchcraft & the treatment of suspected witches across the world, including in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Australia, & North & South America, & from ancient pagan times to current interpretations. His fresh anthropological & ethnographical approach focuses on cultural inheritance & change while considering shamanism, folk religion, the range of witch trials, & how the fear of witchcraft might be eradicated.