Witchcraft and the occult have long been a subject of fascination and horror in bygone eras. From medieval times to the Salem witch trials in the 17th century, people have been accused of practicing witchcraft and engaging in supernatural activities. These accusations often led to persecution, torture, and even death for those accused. In Europe, witchcraft was believed to be a pact made with the devil, where witches gained magical powers in exchange for their souls. This fear of witchcraft peaked in the late 16th century and led to witch-hunts, where thousands of people, mostly women, were accused and executed. The concept of witchcraft was deeply intertwined with religious and social beliefs of the time, contributing to the widespread fear and persecution.
The concept of witchcraft was deeply intertwined with religious and social beliefs of the time, contributing to the widespread fear and persecution. During the Salem witch trials in colonial America, a series of hearings and prosecutions took place from 1692 to 1693. Accusations of witchcraft were made against various individuals, leading to the execution of 20 people.
Call for Book Chapters: Recasting the Bygone Witch
Chapter proposals are invited from interdisciplinary scholars for a collection tentatively titled Recasting the Bygone Witch.
From Sabrina to Supreme, there are plentiful modern representations of the witch in popular culture, each exuding singular or group-sourced power borne from traditions of centuries-past, as manifested in literature, television, film, or local lore.
But what about the lesser-known witches, those who practice and represent branches of witchcraft rarely examined within the subcultural analysis or fandom? This collection examines portrayals of lesser-known witches and how their quiet unconventionality, even within the broader occult subculture, might inform scholarship, practice, and preservation. What can we learn by examining lesser-known witches or unconventional representations of the witch?
Approaches or lenses for papers may include (but are not limited to):
- Literature, texts, or theory
- Cultural studies
- Gender studies or feminist perspectives
- Technology or media studies
- Race and ethnicity studies
- Environmental studies
- Pop culture studies
- Local or regional examinations
- Museum studies and public history
- Historic preservation or conservation
- Sociopolitical discussions
Mode of Submission - Chapter Proposals:
Contributors are asked to send a one-page chapter proposal and a brief biography (approximately 200 words) as one combined document (Word or PDF) to [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject line “Submission - Witch Collection.”
Chapter proposals should represent original and unpublished research (or work for which the submitting author holds the full copyright for reproduction).
Selection Procedure:
Final selection of work for the collection will be made by the editors and authors will be notified via email within 4-6 weeks of submission. Once preliminary selections have been made, the proposed chapters will be pitched formally to a press as a collection.
Publisher:
The editors are in talks with an interested publisher and will assemble the pitch when all chapter proposals are received. If needed, the editors will pitch multiple publishers and will keep authors informed of the progress throughout.
Final Chapters:
Upon successful contract with a publisher, final chapters will be due to the editors within ~5 months. Final chapters should be 6,000 - 8,000 words not including references. Images encouraged if within the public domain or owned / within rights agreement with the author. Chapters will then undergo peer review and revisions.
Contact InformationAíne Norris and Mariaelena DiBenigno
This guide is designed as a helpful shortcut to many of the materials relating to witchcraft and the occult in the collections at the RBML. It is not meant to be definitive and may not always reflect the most recent acquisitions by the library.
The episode revealed a dark side of human nature, with hysteria and mass paranoia fueling the accusations and trials. The occult, or the study of hidden or mysterious knowledge beyond the realm of science, also gained popularity in bygone eras. Secret societies and organizations devoted to the occult, such as the Freemasons and the Rosicrucians, emerged during the Renaissance. These groups explored mystical and esoteric teachings, seeking to gain spiritual enlightenment and tap into supernatural forces. In addition to secret societies, individuals also delved into the occult through practices such as divination, astrology, and alchemy. Divination, or the attempt to gain insight into the future or hidden knowledge, was particularly prevalent in ancient civilizations. Astrology, the belief that celestial movements and positions influence human affairs, was also widely studied. Alchemy, the precursor to modern chemistry, focused on the transformation of matter and the search for the philosopher's stone, a substance believed to turn base metals into gold and grant immortality. While alchemy had scientific aspects, it was also associated with spiritual and mystical pursuits. Although the beliefs and practices of witchcraft and the occult have evolved over time, their legacy in bygone eras is one of fear, persecution, and fascination. The dark history of witch-hunts and trials serves as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the potential for human cruelty. Meanwhile, the pursuit of hidden knowledge and supernatural powers through the occult reflects humanity's enduring curiosity about the unknown..
Reviews for "The Rise of Witchcraft in Victorian England: Society's Fear and Fascination"
1. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witchcraft and the occult in bygone eras." The book promised to provide an in-depth look into the world of witchcraft and the occult, but it fell short. The information provided was very basic and lacked depth. It felt like the author only scratched the surface of each topic without delving into the complexities and intricacies that make witchcraft and the occult so fascinating. I was hoping for a more comprehensive exploration of these subjects, but unfortunately, this book didn't deliver.
2. David - 2 stars - As someone who has a keen interest in the history of witchcraft and the occult, I was excited to read "Witchcraft and the occult in bygone eras." However, I found the book to be extremely dry and lacking in engaging storytelling. The author simply presented historical facts in a straightforward manner without adding any depth or analysis. I was hoping for a more immersive experience, but instead, I felt like I was reading an academic textbook. If you're looking for a captivating exploration of witchcraft and the occult, I would recommend looking for another book.
3. Emily - 1 star - I found "Witchcraft and the occult in bygone eras" to be incredibly misleading. The title made it seem like the book would offer a unique perspective or uncover little-known facts, but it was merely a rehashing of common knowledge. The author failed to provide any new insights or present the information in an engaging way. It felt like I was reading a watered-down version of other books on the same topic. I was hoping for something more original and thought-provoking, but this book fell flat.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "Witchcraft and the occult in bygone eras" left me unsatisfied. The book lacked cohesiveness and seemed like a haphazard collection of random information thrown together. The author jumped from one topic to another without proper transitions, making it difficult to follow along. Furthermore, the writing style was dry and lacked the passion that should be conveyed when discussing such fascinating topics. Overall, I was left wanting more substance and organization from this book.
5. Sarah - 2 stars - I was not impressed with "Witchcraft and the occult in bygone eras." The content felt too basic and surface-level for anyone with even a slight interest in the subject. The book barely scratched the surface of the history of witchcraft and the occult, leaving the reader longing for more in-depth research and analysis. Additionally, the author's writing style lacked excitement and failed to capture the mysterious allure of witchcraft and the occult. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive exploration of these topics.