Witchcraft narratives in Germany : Rothenburg 1561-1652 / Alison Rowlands.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rowlands, Alison.

Contributor:

Rowlands, Alison, contributor.

Series:

Studies in early modern European history.

Studies in early modern European history

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Witchcraft--Germany--Rothenburg ob der Tauber--History--16th century.

Witchcraft.

Witchcraft--Germany--Rothenburg ob der Tauber--History--17th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (248 pages) : 1 map; digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Manchester University Press 2003

Manchester : Manchester University Press, [2018]

System Details:

data file

Summary:

Looks at why witch-trials failed to gain momentum and escalate into 'witch-crazes' in certain parts of early modern Europe. Examines 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.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Acknowledgements

Map: Place of origin of the sixty-five people involved as accused, self-confessed or reputed witches in witch-trials in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 1549-1709

Introduction

1 'An honourable man should not talk about that which he cannot prove': slander and speech about witchcraft

2 The devil's power to delude: elite beliefs about witchcraft and magic

3 'One cannot … hope to obtain the slightest certainty from him': the first child-witch in Rothenburg, 1587

4 'When will the burning start here?': the Catholic challenge during the Thirty Years' War

5 Seduction, poison and magical theft: gender and contemporary fantasies of witchcraft

6 'God will punish both poor and rich': the idioms and risks of defiance in the trial of Margaretha Horn, 1652

Conclusion

Appendix: trials for witchcraft in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 1549-1709

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9786610733873

9781526137982

1526137984

9781781700167

1781700168

9781280733871

128073387X

9781847790248

1847790240

9781417576371

1417576375

OCLC:

437146193

Access Restriction:

Unrestricted online access