Historical Dictionary of Witchcraft

Witchcraft has proven an important, if difficult, historical subject to investigate and interpret over the last four decades or so. Modern historical research into witchcraft began as an attempt to tease out the worldview of ordinary people in 16th- and 17th-century England, but quickly expanded to encompass the history of witchcraft in most cultures and societies that have existed. The second edition of Historical Dictionary of Witchcraft covers the history of the Witchcraft from 1750 B.C.E. though the modern day. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on witch hunts, witchcraft trials around the world as well as entries on witchcraft and related practices around the world. This book is a vital reference tool for any researcher interested in the history of witchcraft.