A Razor for a Goat: Problems in the History of Witchcraft and Diabolism [Paperback]

Elliot Rose (Author), Richard Kieckhefer (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 29, 2003

First published in 1962, Elliot Rose's A Razor for a Goat is a study of witchcraft as a religion, whether the religion was a form of pagan survival or a depraved Christian (or anti-Christian) heresy. Rose surveyed witch-scares, fairy folklore, 'ritual' deaths, the Canon Episcopi, and goliards for evidence for witchcraft, and to make some suggestions about the reality behind the popular beliefs on witchcraft societies and Sabbats. One of the first studies to debunk the dominant theory of the time that witchcraft had been an organized pre-Christian religion, A Razor for a Goat is listed on many anthropology, religion, and history course bibliographies.

This reprint has a ten-page foreword by Richard Kieckhefer that gives a historiographical examination of the importance of this book, and situates it within the discipline today. Closely reasoned, and written with a rare wit, A Razor for a Goat is a classic study and excellent survey of the literature and history of witchcraft.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division (April 29, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802067689
• ISBN-13: 978-0802067685
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #668,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History, philosophy, and occult studies blend together, January 14, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Razor for a Goat: Problems in the History of Witchcraft and Diabolism (Paperback)

A Razor For A Goat: A Discussion Of Certain Problems In The History Of Witchcraft And Diabolism by Elliot Rose examines witchcraft in western European culture from the ninth to the eighteenth centuries. History, philosophy, and occult studies blend together in this marvelously detailed and scholarly analysis that descriptively presents critical events with a flash of wry humor. Questions as to whether some forms of witchcraft should be classified as surviving pagan cults, or linked to aspects of heretical Christen sects or beliefs are especially thought provoking. A Razor For A Goat is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended contribution to World History and Occult Studies academic library collections and scholarly reading lists.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, January 28, 2010

By 

J. Spencer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Razor for a Goat: Problems in the History of Witchcraft and Diabolism (Paperback)

Elliot Rose has given a highly detailed and critical analysis on the subject of witchcraft here. I can't believe I'm only the third person to review this book. After careful deliberate review of this work, it becomes apparant so called "white witches" would want this work tucked away hidden somewhere and for good reason. For most sometimes the truth is too much to digest, especially where their faith (or income) is concerned. I'm rather proud to have this on my shelf and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the subject.

11 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lie of 'White' Witchcraft, May 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Razor for a Goat: Problems in the History of Witchcraft and Diabolism (Paperback)

This is a bold look at the history of witchcraft and reveals the fiction that created the myth of white witchcraft that still persists to this day. Also includes a revealing analysis of the type of characters responsible for this deception.