Books like The Penguin book of witches by Katherine Howe

The Penguin Book of Witches presents a detailed, chronological overview of witchcraft histories in Europe and North America. It draws on a range of primary sources—including a 1597 manual for witch hunters, Salem trial documents, and contemporary newspaper reports—to reveal how accusations unfolded over time. The volume highlights individual case studies, such as Eunice Cole, who was tried for assault and executed, Jane Jacobs, who pursued slander charges against her accusers, and Increase Mather, a minister known for his expertise in exorcism. By combining legal records with personal accounts, the book paints a nuanced picture of the social, religious, and legal forces that fueled the most notorious witch hunts. Readers gain insight into the broader historical context and the human stories that often become reduced to legend, making this collection a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike.

First publish date: 2014