Witchcraft: A History - Hardcover

Susan Greenwood

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0754826449 ISBN 13: 9780754826446

Publisher: Lorenz Books, 2013

Synopsis

This is the study of magic and necromancy through the ages, with 340 illustrations. It offers a detailed historical and anthropological study of the traditions of witchcraft around the world with an in-depth examination of magic and its relationship with religion, from prehistory to the post-modern era. It includes an international survey of ancient cultural traditions, and details the medieval phenomena of witch hunts that still have resonance in modern society. It analyzes the ancient traditions of shamanism, the witches of the classical world and African witch doctors, together with the development of witchcraft in popular European culture. It draws on the work of numerous scholars and experts, as well as first-hand research by the author, and is lavishly illustrated with over 340 images. Magic has played a part in most cultures throughout human history. Traditions and practices may differ but the essential elements remain the same. This insightful history examines the roots and foundation of magic, and the way it has helped to shape our view of the universe and our place within it. The scope of the study is wide, covering a range of traditions from the wise woman of a 16th-century English village to a witchdoctor in Africa, or from the customs of the Native American shaman to those of female shamans of Korea, examining their beliefs, ideas and convictions through the ages. Illustrated throughout with archival material and fine art paintings of legendary magic workers, this volume is a comprehensive examination of a fascinating story.

About this title

About the Author:

Dr Susan Greenwood is an anthropologist with a long-term interest in the study of magic and religion. She gained her doctorate from Goldsmiths College, University of London, for her research on contemporary magicians, and has lectured and written widely on magic, witchcraft and shamanism. She has also written studies on the otherworld, nature religion and paganism.

About this edition

• Publisher: Lorenz Books
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0754826449
• ISBN 13: 9780754826446
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 160