Witchcraft: A History in 13 Trials

An immersive global history of witchcraft which shows its evolution from the Middle Ages to the present day through the lens of 13 different Witch Trial case studies, shining a light on the stories of the victims.

Researched and written by professor Marion Gibson to present us with a global history of witchcraft and witch-hunts by exploring the most famous trials throughout many centuries. Gibson shows us how witchcraft was reimagined in the courts by lawyers, how suspicion of witchcraft led to crimes, the effects of colonialism and Christian missionary outlooks impacted the perspectives of witchcraft in Africa, and how in the modern world the witch trials still occur in many guises.

Prof Gibson also explores the personal stories of women accused and tried for witchcraft, such as Helena Scheuberin, Anny Sampson and Joan Wight, who are often overlooked due to being overshadowed by the powerful men who accused them such as “Witchfinder General” Matthew Hopkins and King James I.

This book expertly demonstrates how the tools invented by those in power who intended to hurt and silence their enemies, and how the witch-hunt became a powerful metaphor in society as well as a very clear reality for many people still on trial.