Witchcraft, Magic and Superstition in England, 1640-70 (Hardcover, New Ed)

This study examines the relationship between elite and popular beliefs in witchcraft, magic and superstition in England, analyzing such beliefs against the background of political, religious and social upheaval characteristic of the Civil War, Interregnum and Restoration periods. Belief in witchcraft received new impulses because of the general ferment of religious ideas and the tendency of participants in the Civil Wars to resort to imagery drawn from beliefs about the devil and witches; or to use portents to argue for the wrongs of their opponents. Throughout the work, the author stresses that deeply held superstitions were fundamental to belief in witches, the devil, ghosts, apparitions and supernatural healing. Despite the fact that popular superstitions were often condemned, it was recognized that their propaganda value was too useful to ignore. A host of pamphlets and treatises were published during this period which unashamedly incorporated such beliefs. Valletta here explores the manner in which political and religious authorities somewhat cynically used demonic imagery and language to discredit their opponents and to manipulate popular opinion.

General

Imprint:	Ashgate Publishing Limited
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	December 2000
First published:	2000
Authors:	Frederick Valletta
Dimensions:	226 x 162 x 24mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	288
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-7546-0244-6
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > History of specific subjects > General Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Alternative belief systems > Occult studies > Magic, alchemy & hermetic thought Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Alternative belief systems > Occult studies > Witchcraft Books > History > History of specific subjects > General Books > Religion & Spirituality > Alternative belief systems > Occult studies > Magic, alchemy & hermetic thought Books > Religion & Spirituality > Alternative belief systems > Occult studies > Witchcraft
LSN:	0-7546-0244-3
Barcode:	9780754602446

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