The Last Witch of Langenburg The Last Witch of Langenburg is a historical book written by Thomas Robisheaux. The book delves into the story of an accused witch named Katharina, who was tried and executed for witchcraft in the small German town of Langenburg in the early 17th century. The book explores the social, political, and religious context of the time and provides an in-depth analysis of the witch trials that took place in Langenburg. Robisheaux examines the personal experiences of Katharina and her interactions with the townspeople, as well as the role played by religious authorities and local elites in her trial and execution. Robisheaux challenges the traditional narrative of witchcraft trials and argues that they were not simply a manifestation of superstition and hysteria. Instead, he suggests that the trials served as a means for the ruling elite to control and assert their authority over the local population.
The close interactions between the court at Langenburg and the peasants of the surrounding villages meant that Gülchen and the count himself knew all about Anna and Hans Schmieg. Anna's reputation for drinking and brawling in taverns and for cursing her neighbors and family members was well known among officials, as were her husband's shady business dealings as miller. Both Schmiegs engaged in long-running feuds with neighbors and had had regular run-ins with the law in the decades before the witchcraft accusation. Furthermore, everyone knew of the accidental deaths of two Schmieg children and about the conflicts within the family, particularly between Anna and her daughter, Eva, over issues of inheritance and Eva's unsuitable marriage. Eva's denunciation of her own mother as a witch was very important, if not decisive, in bringing about a conviction.
Robisheaux uses this exceptionally well-documented case to illuminate how local accusations could lead to larger panics, as they had earlier in the century. Of course, some observers had always been skeptical or even openly critical of witch trials, most famously the Jesuit Friedrich von Spee and the Lutheran medical doctor Johan Weyer, but after 1650 this group was gaining ascendency.
Instead, he suggests that the trials served as a means for the ruling elite to control and assert their authority over the local population. The Last Witch of Langenburg sheds light on the social dynamics of small communities during the early modern period and provides a nuanced understanding of witchcraft trials and the persecution of women. The author's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make the book a captivating read for anyone interested in the history of witchcraft and the lives of ordinary people during this tumultuous period.
The Last Witch of Langenburg: Murder in a German Village - Hardcover
On the night of the festive holiday of Shrove Tuesday in 1672 Anna Fessler died after eating one of her neighbor's buttery cakes. Could it have been poisoned? Drawing on vivid court documents, eyewitness accounts, and an early autopsy report, historian Thomas Robisheaux brings the story to life. Exploring one of Europe's last witch panics, he unravels why neighbors and the court magistrates became convinced that Fessler's neighbor Anna Schmieg was a witch―one of several in the area―ensnared by the devil. Once arrested, Schmieg, the wife of the local miller, and her daughter were caught up in a high-stakes drama that led to charges of sorcery and witchcraft against the entire family. Robisheaux shows how ordinary events became diabolical ones, leading magistrates to torture and turn a daughter against her mother. In so doing he portrays an entire world caught between superstition and modernity. 22 illustrations; 3 maps
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About the Author:Thomas Robisheaux, a professor of history at Duke University, is the author of Rural Society and the Search for Order in Early Modern Germany. He lives in Durham, North Carolina.
From Booklist:By 1672, Count Heinrich Friedrich of Langenburg had restored order and prosperity to his southwest German domain, which had been ravaged by the Thirty Years' War. But a threat arose when a healthy young mother died suddenly, and suspicions fell on Anna Schmieg, a miller’s wife. Capitalizing on the meticulous record of Schmieg’s case, historian Robisheaux not only re-creates who Anna Schmieg was but also explores the confluence of social, legal, and religious streams that put her life in jeopardy. In literary terms, Robisheaux writes a courtroom drama that will hook readers and secure their attention until the last page through his perceptive portrayal of Schmieg’s personality, which was so disruptive that her altercations and tart tongue were seen in a diabolical light by villagers and the count’s officials alike. But burning Satan’s minions was no longer a summary affair: protomodern legal and medical procedures combined with the traditional fear of witchcraft to complicate the task of Schmieg’s inquisitors. With an incisive ability to view matters through the participants’ eyes, Robisheaux vividly brings this historical incident to life. --Gilbert Taylor
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In conclusion, The Last Witch of Langenburg is an insightful and thought-provoking book that offers a fresh perspective on the witch trials of the 17th century. It highlights the complexities of the historical context and challenges conventional interpretations of witchcraft trials. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural dynamics at play during this time and will be left pondering the enduring legacy of witchcraft trials and the treatment of women in society..
Reviews for "Discovering Langenburg's Witchcraft Past: The Story of the Last Witch"
1. John - 1 star
I found "The Last Witch of Langenburg" to be quite disappointing. The story lacked depth and originality, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The plot was predictable, and I was hoping for more twists and turns. The writing style was also dull and uninspiring, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others looking for an exciting and gripping read.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
"The Last Witch of Langenburg" started off with an intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver. The pacing was slow, and I found myself losing interest in the story multiple times. The author also overused cliches and tropes, making the plot feel stale and unoriginal. Additionally, I felt that the characters lacked depth and development, which made it hard for me to connect with them emotionally. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to fellow readers.
3. Michael - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "The Last Witch of Langenburg", but it fell short. The historical aspect of the book was interesting, but the execution left much to be desired. The writing style was dry and lacked the necessary descriptive elements to bring the story to life. The characters felt detached and unrealistic, making it difficult for me to care about their fates. Despite its promising premise, this book ultimately failed to captivate me and left me feeling unsatisfied.
4. Emily - 1 star
I regret reading "The Last Witch of Langenburg". The narrative was confusing and disjointed, making it hard for me to follow the story. The plot was convoluted and had too many unnecessary subplots that added no value to the overall narrative. The book also lacked proper editing, with numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout. Overall, I found this reading experience to be frustrating and would not recommend it to others.
5. David - 2 stars
"The Last Witch of Langenburg" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The writing style was inconsistent, shifting between overly flowery prose and plain, uninspiring language. Additionally, I found the character motivations to be unclear and their actions often seemed forced. Overall, this book didn't fully engage me, and I was left feeling underwhelmed.