John Stearne’s Confirmation and Discovery of Witchcraft

John Stearne’s Confirmation and Discovery of Witchcraft
Author: Scott Eaton
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2020-05-31
Genre: History
ISBN: 1000079430

Between 1645-7, John Stearne led the most significant outbreak of witch-hunting in England. As accusations of witchcraft spread across East Anglia, Stearne and Matthew Hopkins were enlisted by villagers to identify and eradicate witches. After the trials finally subsided in 1648, Stearne wrote his only publication, A confirmation and discovery of witchcraft, but it had a limited readership. Consequently, Stearne and his work fell into obscurity until the 1800s, and were greatly overshadowed by Hopkins and his text. This book is the first study which analyses Stearne’s publication and contextualises his ideas within early modern intellectual cultures of religion, demonology, gender, science, and print in order to better understand the witch-finder’s beliefs and motives. The book argues that Stearne was a key player in the trials, that he was not a mainstream ‘puritan’, and that his witch-finding availed from contemporary science. It traces A confirmation’s reception history from 1648 to modern day and argues that the lack of research focusing on Stearne has resulted in misrepresentations of the witch-finder in the historiography of witchcraft. This book redresses the imbalance and seeks to provide an alternative reading of the East Anglian witch-hunt and of England’s premier witch-hunter, John Stearne.

A History of Witchcraft in England from 1558 to 1718

A History of Witchcraft in England from 1558 to 1718
Author: Wallace Notestein
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2023-10-04
Genre: History
ISBN:

Wallace Notestein's 'A History of Witchcraft in England from 1558 to 1718' is a comprehensive exploration of the cultural and legal contexts surrounding the infamous witch hunts during the Early Modern period. Notestein meticulously examines the beliefs, accusations, and persecutions of individuals accused of practicing witchcraft, shedding light on the socio-political climate that fueled such hysteria. Drawing from archival records and contemporary accounts, Notestein's scholarly approach delves deep into the psychological and societal motivations behind the witch trials, offering valuable insights into this dark chapter of English history. Notestein's writing is engaging, with a clear and concise style that appeals to both academics and general readers interested in the topic. His meticulous research and thoughtful analysis elevate this book from a mere historical account to a nuanced exploration of the human psyche and the power dynamics at play in witchcraft accusations. Wallace Notestein, a renowned historian of Early Modern England, brings his expertise to bear in this authoritative study of witchcraft, providing readers with a compelling narrative that challenges conventional assumptions and encourages critical reflection. For anyone interested in the history of witchcraft, Notestein's 'A History of Witchcraft in England from 1558 to 1718' is an essential read that offers valuable insights into a complex and enduring phenomenon.

Bibliotheca Grenvilliana

Bibliotheca Grenvilliana
Author: British Museum. Department of Printed Books. Grenville Library
Publisher:
Total Pages: 476
Release: 1842
Genre: Incunabula
ISBN:

Bibliotheca Grenvilliana

Bibliotheca Grenvilliana
Author: Thomas Grenville
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 466
Release: 2024-05-26
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 3385129974

Reprint of the original, first published in 1842.