Overview

Looks at why witch-trials failed to gain momentum and escalate into witch-crazes in certain parts of early modern Europe.

Case Study

Examines the rich legal records of the German city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a city which experienced a very restrained pattern of witch-trials and just one execution for witchcraft between 1561 and 1652.

Analysis

Explores the social and psychological conflicts that lay behind the making of accusations and confessions of witchcraft.

Additional Insights

Offers insights into other areas of early modern life, such as experiences of and beliefs about communal conflict, magic, motherhood, childhood and illness.

Gender Bias Explanation

Offers a critique of existing explanations for the gender bias of witch-trials, and a new explanation as to why most witches were women.