Exploring the elements of reality in early modern witchcraft and popular magic, through a combination of detailed archival research and broad-ranging interdisciplinary analyses, this book complements and challenges existing scholarship, and offers unique insights into this murky aspect of early modern history.

Autorentext
EDWARD BEVER received his Ph.D. in History from Princeton University in 1983, USA. He was a software developer specializing in historical simulations before taking his present position as Professor of History at SUNY Old Westbury in 1997. He has published a book on African history and a number of articles on witchcraft and magic in Early Modern Europe.

Inhalt
Introduction PART I: THE REALITY OF MALEFICIUM The Varieties of Maleficium Maleficium and Society PART II: THE REALITIES OF DIABOLISM The Devil in the Duchy of Württemberg Witch Dances and Witch Salves Sorcery, Satanism, and Shamanism PART III: THE REALITIES OF BENEFICENT MAGIC Divination and Prophesy Benevolent Manipulative Magic PART IV: REPRESSION AND REALITY Magic in Society Conclusion