Book cover of Witchcraft: A Very Short Introduction

Book description

Witchcraft is a subject that fascinates us all, and everyone knows what a witch is - or do they? From childhood most of us develop a sense of the mysterious, malign person, usually an old woman. Historically, too, we recognize witch-hunting as a feature of pre-modern societies. But why do…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Witchcraft as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I have read dozens of books on this subject and this is by far the best succinct overview I have come across. The author has written extensively on English witchcraft and knows the broader field inside out. It is truly amazing how much he is able to cover (clearly and vividly) in such a short space, from historic origins up to the present day. There is also a very helpful bibliography so readers can pursue certain topics in more depth.

From Joel's list on the European witch craze.

A concise, reliable, and well-written introduction to ideas about witchcraft and the history of the persecution across the world and into modernity. It is everything the title says – a very short introduction, and ranges from the Americas, and the famous trials of Salem, to other continents. Europe´s witchcraze is framed in a global perspective.

From Ulinka's list on Witchcraze.

If you love Witchcraft...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Witchcraft?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 88 books like Witchcraft.

Browse books like Witchcraft

Book cover of Witches and Neighbours: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft
Book cover of Witch Craze: Terror and Fantasy in Baroque Germany
Book cover of The Astronomer & the Witch: Johannes Kepler's Fight for His Mother

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Witchcraft, you might also like...

Book cover of Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence

Need to Know by Nicholas Reynolds,

The authoritative but accessible history of the birth of modern American intelligence in World War II that treats not just one but all of the various disciplines: spies, codebreakers, saboteurs.

Told in a relatable style that focuses on actual people, it was a New Yorker "Best of 2022" selection and…

Book cover of Tsunami

Tsunami by LeeAnn Pickrell,

On the morning of December 26, 2004, an undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. The resulting tsunami killed an estimated 230,000 people across fourteen countries, from Indonesia to Sri Lanka to Thailand to the Maldives to India and all the way to East Africa.…

5 book lists we think you will like!