The True Story vs. Myth of Witchcraft
By Frederick George Lee, E. Lynn Linton, Howard Williams, Walter Scott, Jules Michelet, M. Schele De Vere, John Ashton, William Godwin, W. H. Davenport Adams, Charles Mackay, George Moir, John G. Campbell, John Maxwell Wood, Bram Stoker, Wilhelm Meinhold, Cotton Mather, Increase Mather, Charles Wentworth Upham, M. V. B. Perley, James Thacher, William P. Upham, Samuel Roberts Wells, John M. Taylor & Allen Putnam
- Release Date: 2019-12-18
- Genre: U.S. History
'The True Story vs. Myth of Witchcraft' presents a riveting exploration into the intricate narratives and variegated interpretations of witchcraft throughout history. This anthology seamlessly weaves together scholarly essays and literary works, highlighting the evolution of witchcraft from feared folklore to a subject of historical inquiry. The collection boasts a remarkable diversity in writing styles, ranging from the narrative to the analytic, each enriching the central contrast between historical truths and mythologized versions of witchcraft. Notable within the collection are in-depth examinations of major witch trials and supernatural occurrences contextualized within the broader societal implications they engendered. The authors and editors of this anthology are scholars and literary figures who have significantly contributed to the study of folklore, history, and the supernatural across various cultures and epochs. Figures like Bram Stoker and M. Schele de Vere bring to the compilation a deep understanding of the Gothic and eerie, which complements the factual historiography provided by historians like William Godwin and George Moir. Collectively, their work elucidates how the hysteria associated with witch hunts and witchcraft has been influenced by socio-political, religious, and cultural undercurrents, providing readers with a holistic view of a multifaceted subject. This anthology is indispensable for those enthralled by the historical and the mystical, offering a rare academic and literary confrontation between myth and reality. Readers are given the scholarly keys to unlock a treasure trove of perspectives on witchcraft, tracing its depiction and reconsideration through centuries. 'The True Story vs. Myth of Witchcraft' is as educational as it is fascinating, promising to enrich one's knowledge and provoke thoughtful discussion on the portrayal and understanding of witchcraft in both past and contemporary contexts.
