Penguin Classics: The Penguin Book of Witches - Katherine Howe

A Chilling Chronicle of Real-Life Witches
The Penguin Book of Witches presents a riveting anthology of real-life accounts of accused witches, spanning from medieval Europe to colonial America. This authoritative collection offers a deep dive into the chilling reality behind the myths, legends, and hysteria surrounding witchcraft.

Key Highlights from the Collection
King James's Witch-Hunting Manual (1597): Insight into the mindset that fueled witch persecutions across Europe.
The Salem Witch Trials (1692): Original court documents capturing the paranoia and persecution in Puritan New England.
A Philadelphia Lynching: The shocking tale of a woman stoned to death in broad daylight during the Continental Congress.
The book also explores the stories of Eunice Cole, buried with a stake through her heart; Jane Jacobs, a Boston woman who turned the tables on her accusers by suing for slander; and Increase Mather, a minister famous for his knowledge of witches and exorcisms.

Themes and Insights
The Roots of Witchcraft Fear: How societal anxieties about women, power, and religion fueled persecution.
Historical Context: Detailed glimpses into the legal, social, and cultural frameworks of witch trials.
Reality vs. Legend: Accounts that dispel myths and reveal the grim truths behind witch-hunting hysteria.
Why This Book is Essential
This anthology not only chronicles witchcraft's dark history but also illuminates how fear and ignorance shaped societal injustices. Perfect for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone captivated by the haunting legacy of witches, it provides a fascinating, unflinching look at one of humanity’s most chilling obsessions.

About the Editor
The editor expertly curates these historical accounts, providing context and commentary that enhance the reader’s understanding of the complex interplay between belief, fear, and persecution in history.