Different conceptions of the world and of reality have made witchcraft possible in some societies and impossible in others. How did the people of early modern Europe experience it, what was it, and what was its place in their culture? The news essays in this collection illustrate the latest trends in witchcraft research and in cultural history in general. After three decades in which the social analysis of witchcraft accusations has dominated the subject, they turn instead to its significance and meaning as a cultural phenomenon-to the "languages" of witchcraft, rather than its causes. As a...

The 15th to the 18th centuries was a period of witchcraft prosecutions throughout Europe and modern scholars have devoted a huge amount of research to these episodes. This volume brings this work together by summarising the history of the period in a new way - according to the types of legal systems involved.

The 15th to 18th centuries were a period of witchcraft prosecutions throughout Europe. This volume attempst to summarise the history of the trials in a new way - according to the types of legal systems involved. It also examines the continued practical use made of magic, the elaboration of demonological theories about witchcraft and magic, and the further development of scientific interests in natural magic through the 'Neoplatonic' and 'Hermetic' period.

The awe-inspiring history of humanity told through our relationship with stars and the night sky. 'Excellent .