Werewolves, Witches, and Wandering Spirits: Traditional Belief & Folklore in Early Modern Europe (Sixteenth Century Essays & Studies, V. 62) [Paperback]

Kathryn A. Edwards (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Sixteenth Century Essays & Studies | Publication Date: November 1, 2002

Bringing together scholars from Europe, America, and Australia, this volume explores the more fantastic elements of popular religious belief: ghosts, werewolves, spiritualism, animism, and of course, witchcraft. These traditional religious belief and practices are frequently treated as marginal in more synthetic studies of witchcraft and popular religion, yet Protestants and Catholics alike saw ghosts, imps, werewolves, and other supernatural entities as populating their world. Embedded within notarial and trial records are accounts that reveal the integration of folkloric and theological elements in early modern spirituality. Drawing from extensive archival research, the contributors argue for the integration of such beliefs into our understanding of late medieval and early modern Europe.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Highly recommended..." -- The Cauldron, May 2003. "This book is a real pleasure to read. ...The editor provides a skilful introduction that helps contextualise and draw out the common themes emerging from such a diverse range of essays." -- Owen Davies, Journal for the Academic Study of Magic, Issue 2, 2004.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Truman State University Press; paperback / softback edition (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931112088
• ISBN-13: 978-1931112086
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #716,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially recommended for folklore and religious history reference shelves, December 3, 2005

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

This review is from: Werewolves, Witches, and Wandering Spirits: Traditional Belief & Folklore in Early Modern Europe (Sixteenth Century Essays & Studies, V. 62) (Paperback)

Werewolves, Witches, And Wandering Spirits: Traditional Belief & Folklore In Early Modern Europe is an anthology of essays by learned scholars of Europe, America and Australia concerning the fantastic elements of popular religious belief: ghosts, werewolves, spiritualism, animism, and witchcraft. Though such beliefs are often marginalized in studies of popular religion, Protestants and Catholics alike of the era truly believed that supernatural entities such as ghosts, imps, and werewolves existed. Essays draw from in-depth archival research, and the contributors make a forceful case for the importance of integrating such beliefs and folklore into human understanding of late medieval and early modern Europe. Especially recommended for folklore and religious history reference shelves.