In the early modern period, Germany witnessed a widespread persecution of individuals accused of practicing witchcraft. This phenomenon lasted from the 15th to the 18th centuries and resulted in the execution of thousands of people, predominantly women. The main idea behind this persecution was the widespread belief in the existence of witches and their ability to cause harm to others through occult powers. Accusations of witchcraft were often based on superstitious beliefs and fears, fueled by religious beliefs and societal norms. Women were disproportionately targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and association with devilish powers. The stereotypical image of a witch included characteristics such as old age, being unmarried or widowed, and having a bad reputation within the community.
“His weekly golf game no longer keeps his love handles in check, he's recently resorted to a slight comb-over to cover that growing bald spot, he squints to avoid wearing the bifocals he hides in his desk drawer, and he spends his days in an office filled with decades-old sports trophies.”
― Kelley Armstrong, Dime Store Magic
From one of today s most original writers comes the mesmerizing tale of an exceptional young woman caught up in an otherworldly realm where some will stop at nothing to get what they want. They are a vicious group who will do anything to woo the young, malleable, and extremely powerful neophyte, including commit murder and frame Paige for the crime.
The stereotypical image of a witch included characteristics such as old age, being unmarried or widowed, and having a bad reputation within the community. Such individuals were considered a threat to the stability and morality of the society. The persecution of accused witches unfolded through a systematic process that involved investigation, interrogation, and trials.
Dime Store Magic
Paige Winterbourne was always either too young or too rebellious to succeed her mother as leader of one of the world's most powerful elite organizations-the American Coven of Witches. Now that she is twenty-three and her mother is dead, the Elders can no longer deny her. But even Paige's wildest antics can't hold a candle to those of her new charge-an orphan who is all too willing to use her budding powers for evil. and evil is all too willing to claim her. For this girl is being pursued by a dark faction of the supernatural underworld. They are a vicious group who will do anything to woo the young, malleable, and extremely powerful neophyte, including commit murder-and frame Paige for the crime. It's an initiation into adulthood, womanhood, and the brutal side of magic that Paige will have to do everything within her power to make sure they both survive.
- Kelley Armstrong - Автор
- Laural Merlington - Рассказчик
Серия: Women of the Otherworld Издатель: Tantor Media, Inc. Издание: Unabridged
Witch-hunters, who were usually local officials or clergymen, actively sought out individuals suspected of practicing witchcraft. Accusations were often obtained through torture, leading to false confessions and the naming of accomplices. In many cases, the accused witches were subjected to horrific tortures to extract information and confessions. Once accused, witches faced trials that were often biased and lacked due process. Convictions were frequently based on flimsy evidence, such as the testimonies of witnesses who claimed to have seen the accused engaging in supernatural activities or interacting with evil spirits. In this highly superstitious environment, the conviction of a witch was essentially a foregone conclusion. The punishments for convicted witches varied, ranging from public humiliation to death by hanging, drowning, or burning at the stake. Public executions were intended to serve as a deterrent to others, reinforcing the power and authority of the church and state. The fear generated by these punishments further fueled the frenzy of witch-hunts, leading to more accusations and trials. The German persecution of accused witches came to an end with the decline of witch beliefs in the late 18th century. Enlightenment ideas, changes in societal norms, and the increasing skepticism towards supernatural phenomena all played a role in bringing an end to this dark period of history. Today, the witch trials stand as a haunting reminder of the dangers of religious fanaticism and social intolerance..
Reviews for "The Legal Framework of Witch Trials in German History"
1. Alex - 2 stars - I found the topic of German persecution of accused witches to be disturbing and unsettling. The author's detailed descriptions of the tortures and executions inflicted upon innocent women were difficult to read. Although I understand the historical importance of shedding light on these events, I feel that the book could have approached the subject with more sensitivity. The graphic nature of the book overshadowed the overall message, making it a difficult read for someone who is sensitive to violence and cruelty.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with this book. The author seemed more focused on sensationalizing the violence than providing a balanced historical account. The graphic descriptions of torture and execution were unnecessary and served no purpose other than to shock the reader. There was a lack of contextualization and analysis, making it difficult to understand the larger societal and cultural factors that contributed to the witch trials. Overall, I found this book to be gratuitous and lacking in scholarly rigor.
3. Michael - 2 stars - As someone who is interested in history, I was excited to read a book about the German persecution of accused witches. However, I was left feeling unsatisfied after reading this. The book lacked a clear structure and seemed to jump from one incident to another without providing a coherent narrative. The author's writing style was dry and unengaging, making it difficult to stay interested in the subject matter. Additionally, I found the book to be repetitive, as similar examples of persecutions were mentioned multiple times. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others looking for a comprehensive and engaging account of the witch trials.