Looks at why witch-trials failed to gain momentum and escalate into 'witch-crazes' in certain parts of early modern Europe. Exames the rich legal records of the German city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a city which experienced a very restrained pattern of witch-trials and just one execution for witchcraft between 1561 and 1652. Explores the social and psychological conflicts that lay behind the making of accusations and confessions of witchcraft. Offers insights into other areas of early modern life, such as experiences of and beliefs about communal conflict, magic, motherhood, childhood and illness. Offers a critique of existing explanations for the gender bias of witch-trials, and a new explanation as to why most witches were women.
- ISBN10 0719052599
- ISBN13 9780719052590
- Publish Date 6 March 2003
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 14 February 2012
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Manchester University Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 256
- Language English