Cassell's Dictionary of Witchcraft (Cassell Reference) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Separating truth from myth, an expert offers an A-to-Z guide to one of the most intriguing aspects of the supernatural. Hundreds of carefully researched articles provide explanations of the key terms and concepts of witchcraft, including demons, exorcisms, familiars, the Inquisition, sabbats, shape-shifting, and spells. Fascinating biographies of key figures range from witches mentioned in the Bible and other ancient literature to the 17th-century "Witch-Finder General" Matthew Hopkins, and the modern "Great Beast," Aleister Crowley. Articles on witch trials through the centuries draw on eyewitness testimony and contemporary records of torture, confessions, and recantations. Opinions about witchcraft include legal experts, theologians, and psychologists. For example, Jean Bodin, a French philosopher, opposed the burning of witches since they usually died quickly.

About the Author

David Pickering is an experienced freelance writer and editor, who specialises in compiling arts and general reference books. An English language and literature graduate of St Peter's College, Oxford, his most recent credits as author and editor have included THE CASSELL SOCCER COMPANION, THE CASSELL COMPANION TO TWENTIETH-CENTURY MUSIC, THE CASSELL DICTIONARY OF PROVERBS, THE CASSELL DICTIONARY OF SUPERSTITIONS, THE CASSELL DICTIONARY OF FOLKLORE and CASSELL'S SPORTS QUOTATIONS. He lives in Buckingham with his wife and two sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Cassell (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304365629
• ISBN-13: 978-0304365623
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #664,197 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Profoundly moving, March 30, 2009

By	Catherine R. Proppe "Cathy" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I don't think I've ever felt such an emotional reaction to a book. This is one of the most devastating and horrifying chronicles of ruthless persecution and torture of innocents that I have ever read. The cover makes it look like a children's book, but what it is is a documentation of the people and places and techniques and texts that were part of the Church's organized campaign to torture and destroy heretics. Very powerful. Amazing what human beings will do to one another.