Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft

Front Cover
HarperCollins, 1996 - Europe - 456 pages
2 Reviews
Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified
"Witches and Neighbours" is a highly original and unconventional analysis of a fascinating historical phenomenon. Unlike other studies of the subject which focus on the mechanisms of persecution, this book presents a rich picture of witchcraft as an all-pervasive aspect of life in early modern Europe.

This book is not available from Blackwell in the United States and the Philippines. A fascinating and accessible account of the central role of witchcraft in early modern Europe. A standard work on the subject of witchcraft now available in a revised edition with an updated bibliography. Presents an unconventional interpretation of the role and influence of witchcraft Argues that witchcraft was as complex and changing as the society of which it formed a vital part. Draws on a range of original sources to vividly illustrate the arguments.

From inside the book

 

What people are saying - Write a review

Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified

WITCHES AND NEIGHBORS: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft

User Review  - Kirkus

An impressively researched cross-cultural exploration of a disturbing phenomenon in European history. Religion scholar Briggs (Oxford Univ.), concentrating on the period from the 14th to the 17th ... Read full review

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - heidilove - LibraryThing

a thorough and intriguing look at the witch hunt. briggs does a fine job of showing how the seventeenth century craze was sustained by villagers against their neighbors, as opposed to the earlier anti-witch sentiments that came from the institutions. Read full review

Contents

Myths of the Perfect Witch
15
The Experience of Bewitchment
61
Supernatural Power and Magical Remedies
97
Copyright

6 other sections not shown

Other editions - View all

Witches & Neighbors: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft
Robin Briggs
Snippet view - 1998
Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft
Robin Briggs
Snippet view - 1997
Witches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft
Robin Briggs
Snippet view - 1996
View all »

Common terms and phrases

accused action ADMM already animals appear areas asked authorities became become beliefs bewitched called cause century charges claimed concerned confessions courts cure dangerous death Devil direct earlier early modern effect England Europe evidence executed explained fantasy fear feelings followed force give given hand husband idea identified individuals involved Jean judges kill kind later least less living London magical major master means natural neighbours normal offered operated particularly period persecution poor popular position possession possible practice probably quarrels reason relations relatively reputation responsible sabbat saying seems seen sense sick similar social society stories suggested supposed suspects suspicions taken thought threats told took torture trials tried turn usually various village whole wife witchcraft witches witnesses woman women

References to this book

Bibliographic information

QR code for Witches & Neighbours
TitleWitches & Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft
AuthorRobin Briggs
Editionillustrated
PublisherHarperCollins, 1996
Original fromthe University of Michigan
DigitizedOct 3, 2008
ISBN0002158442, 9780002158442
Length456 pages
  
Export CitationBiBTeX EndNote RefMan