The Witch Hunts

A History of the Witch Persecutions in Europe and North America

Nonfiction, History, Americas, North America, European General
Cover of the book The Witch Hunts by Robert Thurston, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert Thurston ISBN: 9781317865001
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 26, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Robert Thurston
ISBN: 9781317865001
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 26, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Tens of thousands of people were persecuted and put to death as witches between 1400 and 1700 – the great age of witch hunts. Why did the witch hunts arise, flourish and decline during this period? What purpose did the persecutions serve? Who was accused, and what was the role of magic in the hunts? This important reassessment of witch panics and persecutions in Europeand colonial America both challenges and enhances existing interpretations of the phenomenon. Locating its origins 400 years earlier in the growing perception of threats to Western Christendom, Robert Thurston outlines the development of a ‘persecuting society’ in which campaigns against scapegoats such as heretics, Jews, lepers and homosexuals set the scene for the later witch hunts.

He examines the creation of the witch stereotype and looks at how the early trials and hunts evolved, with the shift from accusatory to inquisitorial court procedures and reliance upon confessions leading to the increasing use of torture.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Tens of thousands of people were persecuted and put to death as witches between 1400 and 1700 – the great age of witch hunts. Why did the witch hunts arise, flourish and decline during this period? What purpose did the persecutions serve? Who was accused, and what was the role of magic in the hunts? This important reassessment of witch panics and persecutions in Europeand colonial America both challenges and enhances existing interpretations of the phenomenon. Locating its origins 400 years earlier in the growing perception of threats to Western Christendom, Robert Thurston outlines the development of a ‘persecuting society’ in which campaigns against scapegoats such as heretics, Jews, lepers and homosexuals set the scene for the later witch hunts.

He examines the creation of the witch stereotype and looks at how the early trials and hunts evolved, with the shift from accusatory to inquisitorial court procedures and reliance upon confessions leading to the increasing use of torture.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Words and Songs of Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Democracy without Borders by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Evolving Partnerships by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Presocratics by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Revolutionary Connections by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Structure of Slavery in Indian Ocean Africa and Asia by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Designing Kinetics for Architectural Facades by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Ancient Egypt by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Commedia Dell'Arte by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Guide to Psychoactive Drugs by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Land and Limits by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book The Social System and Culture of Modern India by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Over-Tested and Under-Prepared by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Management Issues in China: Volume 2 by Robert Thurston
Cover of the book Recent Advances in Tourism Marketing Research by Robert Thurston
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy