Witchcraft Narratives in Germany: Rothenburg, 1561-1652Given the widespread belief in witchcraft and the existence of laws against such practices, why did witch-trials fail to gain momentum and escalate into 'witch-crazes' in certain parts of early modern Europe? This book answers this question by examining the rich legal records of the German city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a city which experienced a very restrained pattern of witch-trials and just one execution for witchcraft between 1561 and 1652. The author explores the factors that explain the absence of a 'witch-craze' in Rothenburg, placing particular emphasis on the interaction of elite and popular priorities in the pursuit (and non-pursuit) of alleged witches at law. By making the witchcraft narratives told by the peasants and townspeople of Rothenburg central to its analysis, the book also explores the social and psychological conflicts that lay behind the making of accusations and confessions of witchcraft. Furthermore, it challenges existing explanations for the gender-bias of witch-trials, and also offers insights into other areas of early modern life, such as experiences of and beliefs about communal conflict, magic, motherhood, childhood and illness. Written in a lively narrative style, this innovative study invites a wide readership to share in the compelling drama of early modern witch trials. It will be essential reading for researchers working in witchcraft studies, as well as those in the wider field of early modern European history. |
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accused action Acts advisers alleged witches Anna appeared Appolonia arrested asked authorities banished Barbara believed Brosam called Catharina Catholic caused century Chapter child claimed concern confessed council councillors cunning custody dance daughter death devil discussed early modern elite evidence example executed explain fact fear fols forced formal further Gackstatt gaol Gebsattel Georg given guilt handling Hans Harter helped hinterland household Ibid idea imagined important individuals influence inhabitants involving Johann judicial jurists late Lautenbach lived Lutheran Magdalena magic Margaretha matter means Michael mother neighbours offered opinion particularly period popular possible probably punishment questioned reasons records regarded released reputation responsible Rost Rothenburg RStA Interrogation Book rumours seen severe slander social StAN Ro story subjects suffering suggested suspected suspicions taken testimony tion told torture treated trial tried village Wettringen wife witch-trials witchcraft women Würth
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| Title | Witchcraft Narratives in Germany: Rothenburg, 1561-1652 OAPEN (Open Access Publishing in European Networks) Studies in Early Modern European History |
| Author | Alison Rowlands |
| Edition | illustrated |
| Publisher | Manchester University Press, 2003 |
| ISBN | 0719052599, 9780719052590 |
| Length | 248 pages |
| Subjects | › › Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft History / Europe / Germany Religion / Wicca Social Science / Women's Studies |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |