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Witches
A History of Witchcraft, Witch-Hunters, and a King's Obsession: 1562-1735
Published by Pegasus Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
A vivid history of witches from the explosion of trials under King James VI to the end of the witch-hunting phenomenon in the early 1700s.
Witches—whether broomstick-riding spell-casters or Wiccan earth-worshippers—have been culturally relevant for centuries. For centuries, too, belief in the potency of witchcraft has been debated; accused witches have been hunted and punished; and film productions have brought the witch and the witch-hunter to the heights of popular culture.
But where did our perception of witches—good and bad—come from? What motivated wide-scale panics about witchcraft during certain periods? How were alleged witches identified, accused, and variously tortured and punished?
Steven Veerapen traces witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters from the explosion of mass-trials under King James VI and I in the late sixteenth century to the death of the witch-hunting phenomenon in the early eighteenth century. Based on documents and the latest historical research, he explores what motivated widespread belief in demonic witchcraft throughout Britain and Europe, what caused mass panics about alleged witches, and what led, ultimately, to the relegation of the witch—and the witch-hunter—to the realm of fantasy and the fringes of society.
Witches—whether broomstick-riding spell-casters or Wiccan earth-worshippers—have been culturally relevant for centuries. For centuries, too, belief in the potency of witchcraft has been debated; accused witches have been hunted and punished; and film productions have brought the witch and the witch-hunter to the heights of popular culture.
But where did our perception of witches—good and bad—come from? What motivated wide-scale panics about witchcraft during certain periods? How were alleged witches identified, accused, and variously tortured and punished?
Steven Veerapen traces witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters from the explosion of mass-trials under King James VI and I in the late sixteenth century to the death of the witch-hunting phenomenon in the early eighteenth century. Based on documents and the latest historical research, he explores what motivated widespread belief in demonic witchcraft throughout Britain and Europe, what caused mass panics about alleged witches, and what led, ultimately, to the relegation of the witch—and the witch-hunter—to the realm of fantasy and the fringes of society.
Product Details
- Publisher: Pegasus Books (April 7, 2026)
- Length: 336 pages
- ISBN13: 9798897100583
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Raves and Reviews
"A deep immersion into a horrific era. Veerapen incants a thorough history of witchcraft and its often-gruesome persecution, exploring the eruption of trials from James’ day to the culmination of witch-hunting in the early 1700s. Expertly realized.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“Veerapen explores how James’ zeal and a confluence of other factors brewed mania over witchcraft in Britain. The tight focus on King James distinguishes the book from other general histories of witchcraft. Readers looking for insight into King James I’s reign or an introduction to the figures who shaped popular notions of witchcraft will find plenty of interesting material.”
– Booklist
“This judicious study offers a nuanced understanding of James VI and I’s preoccupation with witches and witchcraft. This gives the story an overdue subtlety.”
– Stuart Kelly, The Scotsman
“With his trademark brio and imagination, Veerapen tells the story through the most prominent trials and those involved in them.”
– Rosemary Goring, The Herald
“A superbly researched history of witches. Well organized and written in an approachable and accessible style that ensures this is a book that can be absorbed by anyone with an interest in the subject. Engaging, fascinating, and compelling.”
– Ken Lussey, Undiscovered Scotland
“An insightful, brilliant account—and analysis—of a dark chapter in history. In Veerapen’s hands, the specter of the witch and the witch-hunter are brought to life, as are the complex and fascinating details of how King James and his people saw the supernatural world. Bone-chilling and compelling.”
– Gareth Russell, author of Queen James: The Life and Loves of Britain's First King
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Hardcover 9798897100583
Witches
A History of Witchcraft, Witch-Hunters, and a King's Obsession: 1562-1735
Published by Pegasus Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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