Routledge - The Witch Hunts: History of Witch Persecutions

Explore the dark history of the great age of witch hunts with this essential historical reassessment. Between 1400 and 1700, tens of thousands of people were persecuted and put to death across Europe and North America. This book investigates why these persecutions arose, how they flourished, and why they eventually declined. Readers will find answers to fundamental questions regarding who was accused and the specific role magic played in these panics. This work offers a balanced perspective, combining magisterial detachment with personal insight to examine the purpose behind these mass persecutions. It is a necessary read for anyone interested in European and colonial history, providing a clear look at one of the most intense periods of social and legal upheaval in human history. Whether you are a student of history or a general reader, this volume provides a deep dive into the causes and consequences of the witch hunts.