George Gifford was a 16th Century preacher and scholar, he wrote on many topics but is most well known for his work on witchcraft. This fascinating discourse is unusual for its moderate stance on witchcraft and the plea for restraint in making accusations and in the trials of suspected witches. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

A collection of materials, including works of literature as well as historical documents, this work provides a broad view of how witches and magicians were represented in print and manuscript. It presents the voices of witches, accusers, ministers, physicians, poets, dramatists, magistrates, and witchfinders from both sides of the Atlantic.

The anthology 'The True Story vs. Myth of Witchcraft' offers a profound exploration into the intricate tapestry of historical truth and folklore surrounding witchcraft. Through a diverse collection of narratives ranging from scholarly essays to personal accounts, the volume traverses the broad spectrum of literary styles, presenting the subject matter from various angles. This carefully curated selection not only uncovers the historical realities of witchcraft accusations and trials but also delves into the mythologized versions of these events, standing out as a testament to the multifaceted nature of human belief and fear across cultures and epochs. The contributors, an illustrious ensemble of authors including Bram Stoker, Charles Mackay, and more, bring a wealth of perspectives to the anthology. Their backgrounds as pioneers of literature, history, and science lend the collection an authoritative voice that is both enlightening and engrossing. Hailing from different centuries and cultural contexts, these authors collectively span a wide array of literary movements, from Romanticism to Realism, offering insights into the evolution of societal attitudes towards witchcraft. This thematic diversity enriches the reader's comprehension of witchcraft's complex legacy. 'The True Story vs. Myth of Witchcraft' is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to dissect the layers of history and folklore that have shaped our understanding of witchcraft. It promises a rich, educational experience, inviting readers to engage with a historical dialogue that is as nuanced as it is fascinating. This anthology not only serves as an academic tool but also as a nexus of narratives that challenge, entertain, and inspire curiosity about the darker corners of humanity's past.

Witchcraft in Europe was believed to be a combination of sorcery and heresy. While sorcery attempts to produce negative supernatural effects through formulas and rituals, heresy is the Christian contribution to witchcraft in which an individual makes a pact with the Devil. In addition, heresy denies witches the recognition of important Christian values such as baptism, salvation, Christ and sacraments. In Early Modern European tradition, witches were stereotypically, though not exclusively, women. European pagan belief in witchcraft was associated with the goddess Diana and dismissed as "diabolical fantasies" by medieval Christian authors. Witch-hunts first appeared in large numbers during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was commonly believed that individuals with power and prestige were involved in acts of witchcraft and even cannibalism. Table of Contents: The Superstitions of Witchcraft by Howard Williams The Devil in Britain and America by John Ashton Lives of the Necromancers by William Godwin Witch, Warlock, and Magician by W. H. Davenport Adams The Witch Mania by Charles Mackay Magic and Witchcraft by George Moir Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland by John G. Campbell Witchcraft and Superstitious Record in the South-Western District of Scotland by John Maxwell Wood Practitioners of Magic & Witchcraft and Clairvoyance by Bram Stoker Witch Stories by E. Lynn Linton Mary Schweidler, the Amber Witch by Wilhelm Meinhold Sidonia, the Sorceress by Wilhelm Meinhold Glimpses of the Supernatural – Witchcraft and Necromancy by Frederick George Lee Letters On Demonology And Witchcraft by Sir Walter Scott La Sorcière: The Witch of the Middle Ages by Jules Michelet Modern Magic by M. Schele de Vere

The Mythology and History of Witchcraft serves as an unparalleled compendium that traverses the labyrinth of cultural, historical, and literary perspectives surrounding the enigma of witchcraft. Through a meticulously curated selection spanning essays, historical analyses, folklore studies, and biographical sketches, this anthology unveils the multifaceted phenomena of witchcraft as understood across different epochs and societies. The range of literary styles, from the narrative to the scholarly, not only highlights the diversity within the discourse of witchcraft but also sheds light on seminal works that have significantly shaped or challenged the understanding of witchcraft, without centering on a single authorial voice yet underscoring the collective importance of the contributors. The contributing authors and editors, a veritable whos who of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries intellectual landscape, bring to the table a plethora of backgrounds in literature, history, folklore, and theology. Such a rich array of perspectives aligns with various historical and cultural movements, ranging from the Enlightenment's rational inquiry into superstition to the Romantic fascination with the Gothic and the arcane. In their collective endeavor, these authors not only navigate the complex narrative of witchcraft's history but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical and cultural contexts that have historically vilified or mystified the concept of witchcraft. This anthology is a must-read for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of history, folklore, and literary criticism, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the discourse of witchcraft through a multi-disciplinary lens. It invites readers to explore the convergence of different narrative styles, themes, and perspectives, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of witchcrafts historical and cultural significance. The Mythology and History of Witchcraft stands as a testament to the richness of collaborative scholarly work, encouraging continued dialogue and exploration into the complex tapestry of human belief and the literary imagination.