The history of witchcraft and demonology stretches back centuries, featuring prominently in the narratives of various cultures around the world. The practice of witchcraft, often associated with magic, sorcery, and the supernatural, has been both revered and feared throughout history. Ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Greeks had beliefs and practices associated with witchcraft and magic. In Mesopotamia, for example, witchcraft was considered a punishable crime, and special priests called "exorcists" were appointed to rid individuals of evil spirits. Egyptian mythology also contained references to witchcraft, with tales of sorcerers and witches wielding magical powers. During the medieval period, the perception of witchcraft shifted.
Soft Cover. Condition: Very Good +. First Edition By This Publisher. *** CANADA BUYERS; (This is a THICK BOOK, thus can only be shipped by Expedited Mail in CANADA; Standard Pre-Set Postage Rates ONLY APPLY in Manitoba & Saskatchewan; Other Canadian Provinces will Need to pay EXTRA Shipping Charges); *No date, circa mid 1970's (original cover price = $1.95) ** 851 pages. >> Vertical creasing to front cover near spine. Size: 12mo - over 6�" - 7�" Tall. Mass Market Paperback.
Vividly detailed and highly readable, this classic history of witchcraft and demonology provides a thorough exploration of sorcery, Satanism, and every variety of the black arts. Reflecting popular folklore and theological opinions of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods, this survey of necromancy traces witchcraft from ancient times to the twentieth century, describing the link between heresy and the occult.
During the medieval period, the perception of witchcraft shifted. The rise of Christianity led to the demonization of witchcraft, considering it a form of heresy and witchcraft being associated with demonic forces and the Devil himself. This led to the infamous European witch-hunts of the 15th to 18th centuries, where thousands of individuals, mostly women, were accused of practicing witchcraft and subjected to persecution, torture, and execution.
The History of Witchcraft and Demonology
Originally published between 1920-70, The History of Civilization was a landmark in early twentieth century publishing. It was published at a formative time within the social sciences, and during a period of decisive historical discovery. The aim of the general editor, C.K. Ogden, was to summarize the most up-to-date findings and theories of historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and sociologists. This reprinted material is available as a set or in the following groupings or as individual volumes:
* Prehistory and Historical Ethnography
Set of 12: 0-415-15611-4: £800.00
* Greek Civilization
Set of 7: 0-415-15612-2: £450.00
* Roman Civilization
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* Eastern Civilizations
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* Judaeo-Christian Civilization
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* European Civilization
Set of 11: 0-415-15616-5: £700.00
Demonology, the study of demons and their interactions with humans, also played a significant role in the history of witchcraft. In Christian demonology, it was believed that demons were fallen angels, who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. These demonic entities were believed to possess the power to possess, tempt, and torment humans. The witch trials and the fear of demonic possession continued well into the 17th century, with notable cases such as the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. However, as the Age of Enlightenment dawned, skepticism and rationality began to challenge these beliefs, leading to a decline in the persecution of witches and the superstitious fear of demonic entities. In contemporary times, witchcraft has experienced a revival and transformation. It is often practiced as a form of nature-based spirituality or Wicca, emphasizing the worship of nature, goddesses, and communication with spirits or energies. Modern witchcraft and occult practices have also been popularized through various forms of media, such as books, movies, and television shows. Overall, the history of witchcraft and demonology is a complex and fascinating one, shaped by cultural, religious, and social factors throughout the centuries. From its ancient origins to the religious persecution and the subsequent transformation in modern times, witchcraft has remained a subject of intrigue and controversy..
Reviews for "The Role of Religion in Witchcraft Persecutions"
1. Sarah - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with "History of Witchcraft and Demonology." The book lacked depth and failed to provide any meaningful analysis or insight into the subject matter. The content felt repetitive and poorly organized, making it difficult to follow the author's points. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and monotonous, which further hindered my engagement with the material. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of witchcraft and demonology.
2. Mark - 2/5 - While "History of Witchcraft and Demonology" covers a wide range of topics related to the subject, I found the writing to be convoluted and difficult to understand. The author seemed more focused on impressing readers with their extensive knowledge rather than conveying information in a logical and accessible manner. Furthermore, the book lacked proper citations, leaving me skeptical about the accuracy of the information presented. I was genuinely hoping to learn more about witchcraft and demonology, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.
3. Jessica - 2/5 - As someone who had a keen interest in witchcraft and demonology, I was excited to read "History of Witchcraft and Demonology." However, I found the book to be overly academic and inaccessible for casual readers. The author seemed to assume a high level of knowledge on the subject, making it difficult for beginners to grasp the material. Additionally, the lack of visuals or illustrations left me struggling to visualize some of the concepts being discussed. Overall, I would recommend this book only to those who already have a strong foundation in witchcraft and demonology.
4. Michael - 1/5 - "History of Witchcraft and Demonology" was a complete disappointment. The book read more like a dry textbook rather than an engaging exploration of a fascinating topic. The author included an overwhelming amount of irrelevant details that distracted from the main subject. Furthermore, the lack of personal anecdotes or compelling narratives made the book feel detached and uninteresting. I would not waste my time with this book if you're seeking an engaging and informative read on witchcraft and demonology.