Witchcraft and demonology have been subjects of fascination and fear throughout history. The collection of witchcraft and demonology materials provides valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of societies across the world. These collections often include a wide range of documents, texts, and art pieces that shed light on the historical and cultural context surrounding witchcraft and demonology. One of the primary reasons for collecting materials related to witchcraft and demonology is to study the evolution of these beliefs and practices over time. The collection may include ancient texts and manuscripts that reveal early notions of magic and witchcraft. These materials allow researchers to trace the development and transformation of these ideas across different civilizations and time periods.
The collection focuses on European, British and American witchcraft, looking at its theological and heretical aspects rather than at the level of folklore or anthropology. Here may be found many early texts from the 16th and 17th centuries, the period when the theories of the heretical aspects of witchcraft were being formulated. Among these are four editions of one of the more sinister works on demonology, the Malleus Maleficarum, a book that codified church dogma on heresy for centuries.
Here may be found many early texts from the 16th and 17th centuries, the period when the theories of the heretical aspects of witchcraft were being formulated. The majority of the Witchcraft Collection was acquired in the 1880s through the collaborative efforts of Andrew Dickson White, Cornell s first President, and his first librarian, George Lincoln Burr.
These materials allow researchers to trace the development and transformation of these ideas across different civilizations and time periods. Another important aspect of collecting witchcraft and demonology materials is the preservation of cultural heritage. Many societies have rich traditions and folklore associated with witchcraft and demons.
Collection History
Part of Cornell University Library’s Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell’s Witchcraft Collection contains over 3,000 titles documenting the history of the Inquisition and the persecution of witchcraft, primarily in Europe.
The majority of the Witchcraft Collection was acquired in the 1880s through the collaborative efforts of Andrew Dickson White, Cornell’s first President, and his first librarian, George Lincoln Burr. The collection documents the earliest and the latest manifestations of the belief in witchcraft as well as its geographical boundaries, and elaborates this history with works on canon law, the Inquisition, torture, demonology, trial testimony, and narratives. The collection focuses on witchcraft not as folklore or anthropology, but as theology and as religious heresy.
It features many early texts from the period when the theory of the heresy of witchcraft was being formulated, including fourteen Latin editions of the Malleus maleficarum, which codified church dogma on heresy. Four of these Latin editions were printed in the fifteenth-century, most notably the scarce first edition printed before April 14, 1487. The collection also contains other defining texts of the doctrinal discussion of demonology, such as Jean Bodin’s De la Demonmanie des sorciers (1580), Nicolas Remi’s Daemonlatreiae (1595), Henri Boguet’s Discours des sorciers(1602) and Pierre de Lancre’s Tableau de I’inconstance des mauvais anges (1612).
Transcript of Trial of Maria Renata Sänger von Mossau, 1749. Open to her Inquisition sentencing.
Significant in the collection are a small and extremely rare number of works by theologians who opposed the Inquisition, such as those of Cornelius Loos, the first theologian in Germany to write against the witch hunts. The most important materials in the Witchcraft collection, however, are the court records of the trials of witches, including original manuscript depositions taken from the victims. These documents, in both original manuscript and in print, reveal the harsh outcome of the more remote doctrinal disputes. Perhaps the most significant of all manuscripts in the Witchcraft collection is the minutes of the witchcraft trial of Dietrich Flade, a sixteenth-century city judge and rector who spoke out against the cruelty and injustice of the persecutions in the 1580s. These and other trial documents are listed in the collection’s finding aid.
In the 21st century, curators began building on AD White’s witchcraft collection by acquiring modern materials such as posters and publicity for films featuring witches or sorcery, and newsletters on the activities of contemporary Wiccan and Pagan communities.
By collecting and studying these materials, researchers can ensure that these cultural practices and beliefs are not lost to history. Furthermore, the collection of witchcraft and demonology materials helps to debunk popular myths and stereotypes. Throughout history, witches and demons have often been stigmatized and portrayed as malevolent figures. However, by examining primary sources and historical artifacts, researchers can gain a more nuanced understanding of these concepts and challenge misconceptions. Moreover, the study of witchcraft and demonology can also shed light on broader social, political, and religious dynamics. The persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft, for example, reveals the power dynamics and fears prevalent in a particular society. By examining witch trials and related documents, researchers can analyze the broader social and cultural attitudes of the time. In conclusion, the collection of witchcraft and demonology materials provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of these phenomena. These collections not only help researchers understand the evolution of these beliefs and practices but also provide an opportunity to preserve cultural heritage and challenge popular misconceptions. By studying these materials, we can gain a deeper understanding of human beliefs, fears, and the complexities of societies throughout history..
Reviews for "The Evolution of Witchcraft and Demonology in Modern Society"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "The collection of witchcraft and demonology" to be quite disappointing. The content seemed repetitive and lacked depth. The author only scratched the surface of the topic without providing any real insight or analysis. The illustrations were also subpar and didn't add much value to the book. Overall, I was left wanting more substance and a more in-depth exploration of the subject matter.
2. Michael - 1 star
"The collection of witchcraft and demonology" was a complete waste of time for me. The book felt disorganized and poorly structured, making it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. Moreover, the writing style was dry and lacked any engaging elements. I was hoping for a captivating read about witchcraft and demonology, but this book fell short in every aspect. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive or well-written book on the subject.
3. Emma - 2 stars
I was not impressed with "The collection of witchcraft and demonology". The book seemed to lack coherence and purpose. It jumped from one topic to another without establishing any clear links or explanations. The content felt disjointed and left me confused at times. Additionally, the author's approach to witchcraft and demonology felt superficial and superficial, neglecting the historical and cultural complexities associated with these subjects. I was left unsatisfied and underwhelmed by this book.