Brian P. Levack

A good overview of much-debated subject based mainly on good recent scholarly books, not primary research by Levack. Very sensible about the possibilities. A few doubtful statements --says are one point no witness (aside from interrogated witches) claimed to have eve seen a sabbat, but elsewhere does refer to reports of innocent people stumbling across them. Admits there were people practicing both ritual high magic and low-level maleficia (simple curses and the like) but does not think there was any organized devil-worship. May well be right. Aware that reactions to witchcraft varied from very rational enquires wtout torture or mass executions all te way up ton paranoid wholesale persecutions, but the latter were rare.… (more)

This book is detailed and rigorous in its approach and superbly argued. Levack explains the European witch-hunt in clear terms and gives pause for thought as to how popular superstitions, when combined with erroneous intellectual beliefs, a dubious judicial system, religious fundamentalism and economic and social unrest, can lead to the persecution and killing of those members of society who, for whatever reason, are regarded as subversive or simply as different and are therefore treated as scapegoats.… (more)