Witches & neighbors: the social and cultural context of European witchcraft

by Robin Briggs

Paper Book, 1996

Status

Available

Call number

133.4/3/094

Collection

Publication

New York : Viking, 1996.

Description

"Witches and Neighbours "is a highly original and unconventional analysis of a fascinating historical phenomenon. Unlike other studies of the subject which focus on the mechanisms of persecution, this book presents a rich picture of witchcraft as an all-pervasive aspect of life in early modern Europe.This book is not available from Blackwell in the United States and the Philippines. A fascinating and accessible account of the central role of witchcraft in early modern Europe. A standard work on the subject of witchcraft now available in a revised edition with an updated bibliography. Presents an unconventional interpretation of the role and influence of witchcraft Argues that witchcraft was as complex and changing as the society of which it formed a vital part. Draws on a range of original sources to vividly illustrate the arguments.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member tole_lege
I've heard this described by historians (of which I am not one) as *the* book about the period of the trials. I'm not sure I'd go that far (I'd prefer a lot more footnotes, for one thing!), but it is one of the first things to read on the subject. Start here.
LibraryThing member heidilove
a thorough and intriguing look at the witch hunt. briggs does a fine job of showing how the seventeenth century craze was sustained by villagers against their neighbors, as opposed to the earlier anti-witch sentiments that came from the institutions.
LibraryThing member judyfederick
A gift of science I had not thought of before I read this book --Illness as a natural phenomenon, not the result of some neighbor's curse!

Language

Physical description

xviii, 456 p.; 24 cm

ISBN

0670835897 / 9780670835898

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