Witchcraft In Early Modern Scotland

“This volume provides readers, especially students, with what is too often lacking in early modern history: a self-contained case study based on primary sources  . . . However, the authors have done more than provide the raw material of these trials as a case study.  They preface each document with a useful introduction while avoiding the temptation to lead the reader in the interpretation of them.  The documents also have footnotes relating to vocabulary and endnotes on textual matters arising from the originals.  Both are extremely helpful  . . . While one might be tempted to conclude that the publication of a complete set of witch trials is accomplishment enough, this volume expands upon this by including a detailed set of introductory chapters.  These set out, clearly and concisely, the context in which the trials were prosecuted  . . . this volume is to be commended for providing those interested not only in witchcraft but also witch-hunting with a single, self-contained case study rich in detail.  Students, in particular, will find much food for thought in these original documents.” –Scottish Economic and Social History, Vol. 21, Part 1, 2001

“This book is, altogether, a remarkable achievement, combining the best standards of traditional textual scholarship with an imaginative approach to the subject. For as well as the texts gathered together and so splendidly edited, there is a lengthy introduction which places these texts, and the events which underlay them, in context . . . this is a book which will be welcomed, and much used, by the specialist in witchcraft history, which will also be invaluable to teachers and students both of early modern witchcraft and of early modern Scottish history more generally, and which will also be read with profit by those with a more general interest in such matters.” –Archives, April 2002

“A significant contribution to the history of witchcraft, the history of Scotland, the history of feminism and the history of ideas in general.” –Bibliothèque d’Humanisme et Renaissance, Vol. 63, Oct 2001

“This splendid edition of the documents represents substantial research and will be a welcome addition to the library of all interested in this topic.” –Renaissance Quarterly, Spring 2002